Prison Decongestion: 31 Inmates Released in Kano

Prison Decongestion: 31 Inmates Released in Kano

No fewer than 31 inmates have been released from the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kano.

This is disclosed by Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in a statement made available to newsmen in weekend.

According to the statement, the Presidential Committee on Correctional Centres Reform and Decongestion facilitated the release of the inmates during their visit to the Kano correctional center.

The Committee was in Kano for an on-the- spot assessment of condition of Correctional Centres and inmates with a view to making payment of fines for inmates who were convicted of minor offences with option of fines but unable to pay the fines as well as general review of peculiar cases.

During the visits 19 inmates were released through payment of fines by the Federal Ministry of Justice, 3 were released through payment of fines by the Buni Yadi Foundation and 2 were released as well through payment made by Policy Vault Africa.

Similarly, additional 7 inmates released due to old age.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) brought to the attention of the chairman Hon. (Dr.) Justice I. U Bello(Rtd), the case of Rahama Husseini.

In 2015, Rahama said to be Fourteen (14) years at the time, was alleged to have been forcibly married off by her father  and three days after, whilst her husband attempted to consummate the marriage, a struggle ensued which led to his unfortunate death.

While granting State Pardon to Rahma, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State promised that the State Government will support her rehabilitation process.

The inmate is said to have been in custody for almost seven (7) years now.

Representatives of UNODC and Buni Yadi Foundation were also present to lend their voice and support to the release of Rahama.

It might be recalled that on the 30th of October 2017,the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami,SAN constituted and inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and Decongestion.

Over 10,000 inmates have been released through the Committee.

In recent times the Committee focused more attention on reformation of the juvenile Justice.

*Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu*
(Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice)
Sunday 29th August, 2021