A Nigerian senator has criticised the continued detention of inmates who remain in prison simply because they cannot afford to pay court-imposed fines. He described the situation as unfair and harmful, especially to poor and vulnerable Nigerians who have already served the main part of their punishment.

The lawmaker said many of these inmates are not hardened criminals but people convicted of minor offences who should have been released long ago. According to him, keeping such individuals in jail only worsens overcrowding in correctional centres and places unnecessary strain on government resources.

He urged the judiciary and correctional authorities to review such cases and explore alternatives, including community service or structured payment plans, to prevent people from being punished simply because they are poor. He also called for better coordination between courts and prison officials to ensure timely enforcement of release orders.

The senator added that a justice system should be built on fairness, not on a person’s financial capacity. He stressed that reforms are needed to ensure equal treatment under the law and to protect the rights and dignity of all citizens, regardless of their economic status.