FG may relocate Ikoyi prison due to encroaching urbanisation, says Tunji-Ojo

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, says the federal government is considering the relocation of the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and other facilities across the country.

The minister spoke on Monday during a visit to the Ikoyi prison in Lagos.

Tunji-Ojo said urbanisation has caught up with the prison, noting that “there is no reason for this facility should still be here”.

He added that there is no adequate “buffer zone” as stipulated in the constitution and described the Ikoyi prison as “a security threat.”

“With correctional centres, this is the Ikoyi facility. I have always said that urbanisation is real and has caught up with this facility. I see no reason why this facility should still be here,” the minister said.

“Of course, you can see the magistrate court here, a church there, residential buildings, and a lot of commercial structures around.

“The government is looking into how we can perhaps relocate some of these correctional centres, with Ikoyi being very key.

“Do not forget that the law says you need a buffer zone of about 100 meters. As you can see, the buffer zone here is almost zero.

“This is a law-abiding government, and we will explore all avenues to ensure we do what is legally right.

“We want correctional centres to be places of education and transformation. But we believe that in this environment, it is difficult; also, we see it as more of a security threat.”