3,751 inmates secure freedom - Ahmed

In line with the Presidential order to decongest all detention centres in the country as part of effort to sustain the fight against spread of COVID-19, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has announced the release of 3,751 inmates.
The Controller General of Corrections Ja’afaru Ahmed, disclosed that the freed inmates comprises of convicts and awaiting trial persons who met the criteria as announced earlier by the Federal Government.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) wishes to announce as at date the release of 3,751 inmates comprising convicts and awaiting trial persons who met the criteria set.”
It will be recall that following the Presidential order, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, flag-off the Presidential amnesty at Medium Security Custodial Centre Kuje-Abuja last April, announcing that a total of 2,600 will benefit from the release in the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory.
Ahmed however, disclosed that some states Chief Judges during the jail delivery processes granted bail/release to some awaiting trial persons cumulating in the release of 3,751 inmates so far.
While explaining that the process is ongoing, as other measures are in place to ensure continuity, the Corrections Boss, assured that the final figures will be made public at the end of the exercise.
“A breakdown of the release shows that 2,740 convicts and 1011 Awaiting Trial Inmates have so far benefited from the exercise.” The Controller General, however commended “State Governors, Chief Judges and other stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System who have worked tirelessly to carry out this exercise and encourage its continuity.
“The Service is assuring that all inmates qualified for the amnesty and jail delivery will be released accordingly.”[21/05, 5:16 pm] DTN Ukpong Abuja: Eidul-Fitri: FG declares Monday 25, Tuesday 26 as Public Holiday Ukpono Ukpong, Abuja

In order to mark this year’s Eidul-Fitri celebration, the Federal Government has declared Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 May as Public Holidays.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Director (Press & Public Relations), Mohammed Manga.
While congratulating all Muslim faithful for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, Aregbesola called on them to replicate the life of kindness, love, tolerance, peace and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).
Expressing concerns about the spate of ethnic conflicts that has resurfaced in some parts of Northern Nigeria in recent times, he advised Nigerians to see themselves as a single entity and thus learn to tolerate one another despite their ethnic and religious differences.
“The Federal Government has declared Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 May, 2020 as Public Holidays to mark this year’s EIDUL-FITRI Celebration.”
Speaking further, Ogbeni Aregbesola assured Nigerians that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is fully committed to battling the scourge of COVID-19 with the cooperation of all Nigerians.
Commending the security agencies for the successes so far recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, he advised Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and also stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.
As part of his admonition to Muslims on the celebration of Eidul-Fitr and his emphasis on individual responsibility for adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, the Minister reminded them to always obey constituted authorities as stated in the Glorious Qu’ran 4:59 where Allah says: “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything among yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if ye do believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best, and most suitable for final determination.”