Federal Government Vows to Expel Prison Controllers Engaging in Bribery to Unlawfully Detain Citizens

• Minister Tunji-Ojo declares the government’s readiness to expel prison officers abusing authority by imprisoning individuals without proper warrants
• Emphasizing commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda, the Minister vows to address and expel those involved in power abuse in correctional facilities

Hon. (Dr.) Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, declared that the Federal Government is prepared to expel prison officers found abusing their authority by imprisoning individuals without proper detention warrants. The Minister made this statement during his presentation at the International Donor Round Table on Correctional Service Reform organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

Expressing concern over the recurring abuse of power by correctional facility controllers, Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the government’s Renewed Hope agenda is committed to addressing and expelling anyone involved in such misconduct.

The Minister strongly stated, “Any controller caught taking money from a big man to lock up a poor man without a detention warrant will be expelled from the service. We are here to fill in the gap for the weakest in the society.”

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the government’s commitment to advocating for the voiceless and vulnerable in society, ensuring that no one’s freedom is unjustly taken away based on their vulnerability.

Speaking to the UN team, the Minister emphasized the administration’s determination to operate differently to gain the trust of citizens and the international community, stating, “Trust is something you don’t ask for – you earn it. This government wants to work to earn your trust and loyalty.”

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Matthias Schmale, commended the Minister for his proactive measures since assuming leadership of the Ministry, acknowledging the positive impact of the reforms.

The round table, held at the UN House in Abuja, saw the participation of officials from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, UNODC, UNFPA, concerned NGOs, diplomats, and representatives from the governments of Italy, Germany, Qatar, and the USA.