Deborah Akinyosoye
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 an inter-agency stakeholder meeting in Abuja yesterday.
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 the 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.