No fewer than 7,646 inmates have been released from correctional centres across the country between January 2022 and June 2025, as federal and state governments intensify efforts to address chronic overcrowding in the custodial centres.
It was gathered on Friday that the releases, which were carried out by state and federal authorities, chief judges, and non-governmental organisations, reflect a growing trend in decongestion initiatives.
According to data from various media reports, 707 inmates were released in 2022, 4,678 in 2023 and 1,843 in 2024.
A total of 418 inmates have been freed as of mid-2025.