Prison decongestion: 31 inmates released in Kano

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

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. Umar Gwandu  at weekend said, 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, Gwandu said 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. 

Additional seven inmates were released due to old age.

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

In 2015, Rahama said to be 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.

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

It will be recalled that on the 30th of October 2017,the  AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) constituted and inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and Decongestion.  

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

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