The Federal Government has paid N52 million in fines and compensation to 399 inmates in different correctional centres across Kaduna State as part of its initiatives to alleviate congestion in the facilities.
Dr. Ado Saleh, the Comptroller of Correctional Service in Kaduna State, revealed this information during the launch of the initiative in Zaria on Monday.
Saleh said, “We are here to release 68 inmates from Zaria, Makarfi, Soba and Ikara Correctional Centres.”
He mentioned that 110 inmates had been previously released in Kaduna, emphasizing that the event in Zaria marked a continuation of the program established and executed by the Federal Government.
“In total, 399 inmates in Kaduna State were marked to be released at the cost of N52million.”
“The commencement of the programme is simultaneously taking place at Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria to see the release of 281 across the state.”
“Of the 281 to be released across Kaduna State during the ceremony 68 inmates were from Zaria Zone,” he said.
The comptroller clarified that out of the 68 inmates, 43 were from Zaria, 19 from Soba, 5 from Makarfi, and 19 from Ikara Correctional Centres.
He further mentioned that each beneficiary would receive N10,000 for their transportation expenses.
Earlier, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, stated that the initiative aimed to alleviate congestion in Correctional Centres by settling fines and compensations for inmates with outstanding amounts ranging from one Naira to one million Naira.
Represented by John Otsuka, Assistant Legal Adviser, Federal Ministry of Interior, Ojo highlighted that facilities and centers across the country were facing overcapacity.
He mentioned that the intention was to decrease the inmate population at the centers and let the judiciary take further action.
Ojo stated that a minimum of 4,068 inmates would benefit from the initiative nationwide.
Representing the beneficiaries, Solomon Atambe, a resident of Railway Quarters, Sabon-Gari-Zaria, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for this invaluable gesture.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to show appreciation for the gesture and “sin no more,” advising them to apply the skills they acquired during their time in the facility.