Ekweremadu calls for decongestion of correctional centres

Senator Ike Ekweremadu has called for the decongestion of Nigeria’s correctional facilities through improved and faster dispensation of justice and special interventions by governments, charitable organisations and well-meaning Nigerians.

Sen Ekweremadu made the call Friday when he visited the Enugu Correctional Centre where he paid the fines of eight inmates to enable them regain their freedom.

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Also, the politician pledged to immediately do a water project in the correctional facility to improve the living conditions of the inmates. 

Ekweremadu said, “I was informed by the Controller of Corrections in Enugu State that many inmates were still in this correctional facility because they had no one to pay their fines. So, I undertook a visit to the facility to interface with the inmates and to help settle the fines of eight inmates so they can regain their freedom and join their families for the Christmas.

“But beyond that, I think we need to take every necessary step to decongest our prisons. As a lawmaker, I know we have done quite a lot of reforms in the area of Criminal Justice Administration.”

The Controller of Corrections, Enugu State Command, Mr Nicolas Obiako, lauded Ekweremadu for his humaneness and intervention and enjoined other public-spirited individuals to emulate his example.