Afrofusion star Burna Boy and popular social media activist VeryDarkMan have visited the Lagos State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to engage authorities on the release of inmates who are legally eligible for discharge, particularly those whose sentences include the option of fines.
The visit was confirmed in a statement issued by Osho Onimisi Joseph, spokesperson of the Lagos State command, who said the duo paid a courtesy call to the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre to seek firsthand information on the legal and administrative procedures guiding the release of such inmates.
According to the statement, Burna Boy and VeryDarkMan expressed interest in understanding how inmates with fine-based sentences could regain their freedom once the required payments are made, as well as the safeguards in place to prevent abuse of the process. The visit forms part of growing public advocacy aimed at decongesting correctional facilities and ensuring that justice is administered in line with existing laws.
The delegation was received by Sanni Richard, officer-in-charge of the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, who took time to explain the procedures involved. He outlined how fines are processed, the eligibility criteria inmates must meet, and the documentation required before any release can be approved.
Richard emphasised that the process is strictly guided by court orders and relevant regulations of the Nigerian Correctional Service. He noted that no inmate is released without proper verification and clearance, adding that multiple layers of checks are in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with the law.
He further explained that correctional authorities work closely with the courts and other justice sector agencies to confirm sentences, validate payments, and ensure that only inmates who have fully met the conditions of their sentences benefit from the process.
The Lagos NCoS command welcomed the interest shown by the visitors, describing it as a positive step toward public awareness and constructive engagement on issues of prison reform, inmates’ welfare, and justice administration.
The visit by Burna Boy and VeryDarkMan has drawn public attention to the plight of inmates who remain in custody despite having the option of fines, and it highlights the role that private citizens and public figures can play in supporting lawful efforts to decongest custodial centres and promote a more humane correctional system.
