No fewer than 1,536 inmates are on the awaiting trial list at various custodial centres in Kano State.
This comes as the state governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, paid the fines of four pregnant women and nursing mothers, along with four other female inmates at the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre to secure their release.
Yusuf, according to a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, made the intervention during an unscheduled visit to the facility on Friday.
The governor said the purpose of his visit was to assess the living conditions of inmates and explore ways the state government could support their welfare and rehabilitation.
Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving correctional facilities and facilitating phased releases for inmates incarcerated for minor offences.
He expressed concern over the high number of inmates awaiting trial, noting that out of 1,939 inmates, only 382 had been convicted, while 1,536 were awaiting trial.
The governor said the government would work with the judiciary to accelerate the dispensation of justice and ease congestion in correctional centres.
Yusuf urged the inmates to remain hopeful and view their situation as a test of fate, encouraging them to embrace positive change in anticipation of their eventual reintegration into society.
To support the welfare of inmates, the governor ordered the immediate provision of cows, foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and assorted beverages.
The governor also paid a surprise visit to the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility, where he announced plans to relocate inmates from the Kurmawa Correctional Centre to Janguza.
He expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and general conditions at the Janguza facility and urged able-bodied inmates to reflect on their experiences and apply the lessons learned for better outcomes upon release.
According to the statement, several inmates at both facilities expressed gratitude to the governor for his visit and commitment to improving their conditions.
0 Comments