
OVER 26,000 CHILDREN HELD IN PRISONS – MINISTER
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has raised concerns over the incarceration of over 26,000 children in the nation’s custodial centres, describing the situation as alarming.
According to him, the figure accounts for 30 per cent of the total inmate population in correctional facilities across the country.
Tunji-Ojo, who called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system to protect vulnerable groups, spoke at a high-level inter-agency stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
A statement by the Director of Press at the Ministry of Interior, Ozoya Imohimi, quoted the minister as saying, “Approximately 26,000 children are held in correctional facilities annually, representing over 30 per cent of the total inmate population.
“This statistic raises serious concerns regarding child protection laws. The presence of children in custodial centres violates existing laws mandating their placement in borstal institutions for proper reformation in line with their age.”
He assured that breaches of these laws would be investigated, warning that institutions failing to comply would face consequences.
He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to reforming the correctional system, particularly focusing on the growing number of children in custody.
The minister disclosed plans to establish a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy to train correctional officers on empathy and rehabilitation principles.
Emphasising the need for non-custodial measures for non-violent offenders, he stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration and urged state governments to actively participate in efforts to address juvenile detention.
More Stories
I AM TRULY PROUD OF OUR CONNECTION – BUHARI HONORS TINUBU ON HIS BIRTHDAY
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his birthday wishes to President Bola Tinubu on March 29. In a statement...
ACHIMUGU: EFCC EXPLAINS CONNECTION OF INVESTIGATION TO ATIKU, SANWO-OLU
The EFCC has clarified that its investigation into billionaire socialite Aisha Achimugu is unrelated to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar...
BENUE: OTUKPA PUPILS, TEACHERS SIT ON FLOORS, WINDOWSILLS DESPITE N82BN EDUCATION BUDGET
Teachers and pupils of LGEA Primary School in Ididiloko Adum Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, Benue State, are struggling with poor learning...
RIVERS: ” WHERE IS YOUR EVIDENCE” – NLC CONFRONTS NWEKE OVER POLITICAL BIAS CLAIMS
The Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed allegations by former Head of Service, George Nweke,...
LERE OLAYINKA: ATIKU WAS DISHONEST ABOUT 2023 VP SELECTION
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has accused former Vice...
JUST IN: AMAECHI SAYS FUBARA, WIKE AT ODDS OVER REVENUE SHARING
Former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, stated that the conflict between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister...