Mr Olatubosun Ajibogun, an Assistant Controller-General of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), on Friday called for appointment of more judges and provision of more courtrooms in an effort to decongest custodial facilities.
Ajibogun made the call at the Seventh International Conference of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Prison and Hospital Ministry (PHM) held at the Redemption City on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual event had the theme: ‘A New Beginning’.
Ajibogun was among the top echelon of the NCoS and other personalities at the event.
In an interview with NAN on the sidelines of the conference, he commended the RCCG PHM for sustained contributions to inmates’ welfare, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He said that the ministry had made enormous impact on correctional facilities across the country.
Ajibogun said that delay in justice administration contributed much to overcrowding of custodial facilities.
He said that appointment of more judges, provision of additional courtrooms and faster dispensation of justice would reduce the number of awaiting-trial inmates.
Ajibogun said that inmates awaiting trial formed a greater percentage of inmates in custodial centres.
According to him, regular visits by judicial officers to custodial centres and periodic review of pending cases would also facilitate justice administration and reduce congestion of custodial facilities.
Ajibogun advocated stronger monitoring mechanisms within the justice system to ensure timely court hearings and eliminate unnecessary adjournments.
“There should be regular assessments of pending cases and efforts to ensure that matters are concluded within reasonable timelines.
“Prolonged trials contribute significantly to congestion in custodial facilities.
“NCoS has continued to strengthen collaboration with the judiciary and other criminal justice system stakeholders to facilitate resolution of cases.
“Correctional authorities frequently engage courts and investigating agencies whenever delays or procedural issues affecting inmates are identified,” he said.
Ajibogun highlighted the challenge of recidivism – a situation in which some former inmates return to correctional facilities.
He attributed it to rejection by families and the society after their release.
According to him, successful re-integration of ex-inmates requires support from families, communities, faith-based organizations and government institutions.
He urged Nigerians to give former inmates a second chance and support efforts aimed at helping them to rebuild their lives after serving sentences.
“Many individuals who leave correctional facilities need encouragement, acceptance and opportunities to start afresh.
“Rehabilitation and reintegration are collective responsibilities that require involvement of the society as a whole,” he said.
Ajibogun commended faith-based organizations and other humanitarian groups for assisting indigent inmates, including those unable to pay fines imposed by courts.
“NCoS remains responsible for the custody and welfare of inmates. Reduction of congestion in correctional centres largely depends on efficient judicial processes.
“It is only stronger collaboration among all stakeholders in the criminal justice system that can effectively reduce the number of inmates.
“Reforms, stakeholder engagement and community support would enhance rehabilitation efforts and contribute to a more effective correctional system in Nigeria,” he said.
Ajibogun praised RCCG for consistently supporting inmates through legal aid, welfare interventions, spiritual counselling, rehabilitation programmes, and post-release support.
He noted that RCCG’s contributions included construction and renovation of facilities and provision of medical assistance.
“The role of the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry is indelible.
“Every year, the ministry continues to exceed expectations through its various interventions and support programmes for inmates and correctional facilities,” he said.
According to him, private individuals, faith-based organizations and corporate bodies have been complementing government efforts in ensuring inmates’ welfare through donations and other forms of support.
Ajibogun said that such partnerships remained vital in improving the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates.
One of the ex-convicts, who said he spent 10 years in incarceration disclosed that he encountered God through the ministry of the RCCG Prison and Hospital Ministry while in custody.
According to him, he was discharged and acquitted of all charges by the Court of Appeal in 2025.
He attributed this to God’s mercy. (NAN)
