Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has facilitated the release of eight female inmates from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre by settling their fines and compensation debts, in a move aimed at supporting inmate rehabilitation and decongesting correctional facilities across the state.
Among the freed inmates are two pregnant women and two nursing mothers.
The release was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa.
Governor Yusuf made the intervention during an unscheduled visit to the Goron-Dutse facility, where he personally assessed the living conditions of the inmates and explored opportunities to enhance their welfare and support their eventual reintegration into society.
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The governor expressed deep concern over the high number of inmates still awaiting trial, noting that out of a total of 1,939 inmates, only 382 had been convicted, while a staggering 1,557 remained in pre-trial detention.
“This is unacceptable,” Yusuf said. “Our administration is committed to working closely with the judiciary to accelerate justice dispensation and reduce the population of awaiting-trial inmates in our correctional centers.”
Addressing the inmates, the governor urged them to remain hopeful and consider their current predicament as a temporary test of fate. He encouraged them to embrace reform and prepare for a better life after incarceration.
To boost the welfare of inmates, Yusuf ordered the immediate supply of cows, foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and assorted beverages to the facility.
In a related development, the governor also paid a surprise visit to the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility, where he announced plans to transfer some inmates from the overcrowded Kurmawa Correctional Centre to the more spacious Janguza facility.
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He expressed satisfaction with the state of infrastructure and overall conditions at Janguza.
Yusuf also commended retired General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, former Minister of Interior, for his significant role in the establishment and construction of the Janguza Correctional Centre.
While interacting with inmates at both facilities, the governor especially encouraged young, able-bodied prisoners to learn from their experiences and focus on positive transformation upon their release.
Inmates at the two correctional centers expressed their appreciation for the governor’s visits and his efforts toward improving their living conditions and chances for rehabilitation.