The Egbuagu Foundation has reaffirmed its dedication to securing the release of about 1,000 inmates across Nigeria, focusing on those unfairly incarcerated and addressing systemic issues in the penal system.

At the foundation’s launch in Lagos, its founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Moneda Invest Africa, Ejike Egbuagu, emphasised that freedom is more than releasing inmates; it involves opening minds and creating opportunities. He reiterated the foundation’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of inmates, particularly young people, who are often the most vulnerable.

“Our priority is to identify inmates based on age, focusing on young individuals trapped in the overcrowded Nigerian correctional system. These are our future. Time is a human being’s most valuable resource, and we can’t afford to have it wasted behind bars,” Egbuagu said.

He added that the foundation would offer rehabilitative programmes that tap into inmates’ creative potential through training in the creative arts. The focus would be on developing talent and fostering cultural relevance, depth, and self-confidence.

“The idea is to transform minds. Their work will not only have the potential to be world-class but will also generate income,” he noted.

Partner at Springwoods Legal Practitioners, Zikora Okwor-Wewan, highlighted the scale of the challenge, pointing out that Nigeria’s prisons house approximately 86,000 inmates, with about 70 per cent awaiting trial. “Among them are an estimated 26,000 children, many of whom are either minors awaiting trial or children of inmates,” Okwor-Wewan revealed.

He explained that the foundation’s legal team would compile case files for inmates without proper documentation, advocating for releases based on age, unjust detention, and minor offences.

“The groundwork will involve formal partnerships, prison visits, and legal filings over the next 90 days. Logistics, transport, legal fees, and operational costs will be covered by the foundation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to inmate release and rehabilitation,” Okwor-Wewan stated.

He further stressed the need for systemic reform in the Nigerian justice system while advocating for immediate action. “Our plan is a combination of legal support, education, and creative rehabilitation, because change is possible, and it starts now,” he concluded.