Burna Boy, VeryDarkMan tour Kirikiri prison to probe inmate fine release process
Abdullateef Fowewe
Grammy-winning artist Damini Ogulu alias Burna Boy and self acclaimed online police, Vincent Otse well known as VeryDarkMan visited the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre on Sunday, sparking interest in efforts to decongest Nigeria’s prisons through fine payments for eligible inmates.
The high-profile duo was received by the facility’s Officer in Charge, Sanni Richard, who detailed the legal and administrative steps for discharging inmates.
In a statement, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State Command, Osho Onimisi Joseph, explained the purpose stating, “The visit was aimed at gaining first hand insight into the legal and administrative processes involved in releasing inmates eligible for discharge through the payment of fines.”
Sanni Richard outlined procedures for fine payments, eligibility criteria, and safeguards ensuring transparency and adherence to court orders.
The Nigerian Correctional Service emphasised humane conditions for inmates, aligning with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and global standards.
“The Service also commended lawful humanitarian efforts that promote access to justice, custodial decongestion, and humane treatment of inmates, while reaffirming its commitment to rehabilitation and successful reintegration of offenders into society,” the statement added.
Photos from the visit circulated widely online, highlighting the celebrities’ engagement with correctional reforms amid ongoing debates on prison overcrowding.
