Minister: Many female inmates denied freedom over inability to pay fines

Uju Kennedy, minister of women affairs, says many female inmates in Niger state are denied freedom over their inability to pay court-imposed fines.

In a post on her Twitter page on Friday, Kennedy said she visited the Suleja custodial centre and interacted with the inmates.

The minister said she discovered that some of them were still awaiting trial over lack of legal representation.

“I visited the Nigerian correctional service custodial center in Suleja, Niger state and interacted with the female inmates,” she said.

“In the course of my interaction, I found out that many of the inmates were there simply because they could not pay court-imposed fines to gain freedom.

“For all such inmates, we settled their fines immediately and are set to be released. I however admonished them to become better members of the society once they get out.

“I also took note of those who are on awaiting trials who need legal representation, we will take that up.

“I also saw that some of the female inmates are acquiring skills that will help them be more useful to the society upon their release.

“I equally promised that we will help the correctional facility upgrade their skill acquisition center so that they can be producing bags, soaps, detergents, and clothes in large quantities for commercial sales which will empower the inmates financially even while serving terms.”

The minister said she would collaborate with other partners to provide all the necessary support to the inmates including “legal representation”.