Nigerian singer Burna Boy and activist VeryDarkMan have visited Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Lagos to discuss the release of inmates serving time because they could not pay their fines.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to a statement by Osho Onimisi Joseph, spokesperson for the Lagos command of Nigerian Correctional Service, the duo met with officials to learn about the legal and administrative steps required for inmates to be discharged once their fines are paid.
Sanni Richard, officer‑in‑charge of the facility, explained how the payment process works, the criteria an inmate must meet before release, and the safeguards in place to make sure everything is done according to court orders and correctional rules.
The correctional service emphasised that no inmate is released without proper authorisation and that all actions follow the law.
NCoS also assured the public that inmates are kept in safe and humane conditions, in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and international standards.
The agency praised lawful efforts that promote access to justice, reduce overcrowding, and support fair treatment for people in custody.
The visit came after VeryDarkMan posted a video on Instagram showing him with Burna Boy and announcing the singer’s donation of $100,000 (about N150 million) to help free inmates who cannot afford their fines and to pay hospital bills for patients in public health facilities.
VeryDarkMan said $50,000 of the donation will be used to secure the release of inmates who have been in prison for years over unpaid fines, and the other $50,000 will help cover medical costs for patients in government hospitals.
He added that the funds are currently in his custody while proper documentation is done, and that he plans to collect data on fined prisoners from all 36 states so that the money can benefit as many people as possible.
