My N500k journalism prize for release awaiting-trial inmates -Soyombo |Flycomnews

By Fashina Shakiru
Flycomnews

Fisayo Soyombo, award winning investigative journalist, says set to donate sum of five hundred thousand Naria (N500,000) attached to the People Journalism Prize for Africa 2019 (PJPA) to help in the release of inmates awaiting trial.

In a statement released to TheCable News correspondent on Thursday in Lagos

Soyombo who is an  undercover investigative journalist exposing bribery and impunity in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, and investigation on sex for grades in some West African universities, respectively

He says "donation of sum of five hundred thousand Naria (N500,000) cash reward to The Justice Project (TJP) to support for the release of awaiting-trial inmates who have no business in prison".

He further revealed that "three-part investigation may have focused on the deep-seated corruption tarnishing the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, but that isn’t the only frailty of the system,” Soyombo said.

He noted, the correctional centre congested of awaiting trial inmates as the  funds, to be managed by TJP, will be used to pay stipends to lawyers who will visit prisons to track the cases, ensure more inmates have their days in court, represent the inmates, settle fines where necessary and provide support to the inmates

Soyombo gave an instant of a Prison where more than 3,000 inmates inhabit a prison built for 800. Of the 3000  than 500 are convicts; the number of awaiting-trial inmates usually hovers around 2,500.

" I can at least help to kick-start a process I’m hoping can snowball into prison decongestion".

“Aside focusing on the possibility of innocence and frivolity of cases against inmates, women with babies and inmates with young families back home will receive special consideration.” he added