The Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Tuesday released eight inmates in the State.
In a press release by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State, ASC Richard Metong, on Wednesday, the inmates’ release was facilitated by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, noting that he paid their fines and compensations.
He noted that the gesture was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to decongest the correctional service centres.
Metong said the Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa FICMC, MFR, mni, represented by the Controller of Corrections Akwa Ibom State Command, Julius Ezugwu, admonished the freed inmates to be good ambassadors of the Service and themselves by living a crime-free life. He further urged them to use the vocational skills and trades they acquired while in custody.
One of the freed inmates, on behalf of others, expressed gratitude to God for giving them a second chance to correct their past mistakes.
As they reunited with their families, each discharged inmate was presented with N10,000 for transportation to their destination.