As part of efforts to achieve its aim of ensuring justice and rehabilitation for the wrongfully incarcerated and ex-inmates, the Charles Heart Ex-inmates Reformation Foundation secured the release of 39 inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Service Medium facility in Kirikiri, Lagos, and Agodi, Ibadan, on the 21st and 22nd of November 2024.
In an interview with the newsmen, the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr Charles Osaghae, disclosed that the development was to promote justice and decongest Nigeria’s overcrowded prisons.
According to him, the Foundation worked with the various stakeholders in the criminal justice system in Nigeria to facilitate the release of the inmates through the provision of legal representation for inmates and payment of court fines for inmates who are financially constrained. The Foundation also provides other forms of support to ensure the inmates’ smooth reintegration into society.
He said, “Our aim is to help inmates who are wrongly incarcerated and lack support. We have secured the release of 34 inmates at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility in Lagos and 5 at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan. Their offences range from theft and wandering to other cases.”
“We have a follow-up program for them. We create a conducive environment, reunite them with their families, and support those willing to learn new skills.”
Speaking on the rationale behind his initiative, Charles explained that it was born out of his passion for giving back to society, helping the community, supporting the nation, and contributing to prison decongestion.
He also urged Nigerians to love and appreciate one another, emphasising that well-meaning Nigerians should have empathy for those suffering, particularly the vulnerable.
The released inmates expressed their gratitude to the NGO for the gesture, acknowledging that it gave them a second chance at life. They also showed remorse for their crimes and mentioned that incarceration is an experience they never want to repeat.
The NGO’s efforts align with the Nigerian government’s initiatives to decongest prisons and promote rehabilitation. The success in securing the release of 39 inmates serves as a beacon of hope for others awaiting trial or serving sentences for minor offences that could be resolved with fines.
The ex-inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Centres in Agodi, Ibadan, and Oyo State described the facility as a meeting point for all levels of society. They further likened it to a place where “mosquitoes control the elephants.”
The ex-convicts were convicted for stealing and other sundry offences and subsequently sentenced to various jail terms from 3 months to 4 years but with fine options. However, the inability to pay their fines resulted in their serving the terms.
One of the ex-inmates said, “I am a bricklayer. I was convicted and sentenced to 4 years imprisonment for stealing the leftover materials at the construction site. I was arraigned in the court and pleaded guilty to a one-count charge as read and was subsequently sentenced to four years imprisonment with the option of a N350,000 fine.”
“I was unable to meet the bail condition, which resulted in my journey to Agodi Prison. Agodi Prison is a meeting point for the high and low in society as well as a place where the mosquitoes control the elephants.”
“However, I am grateful to the management of the Charles Heart Ex-Inmates Reformation Foundation for facilitating my release by paying my court fines.”
The other ex-inmates shared similar experiences but were thankful for regaining their freedom.
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