Kano Governor Frees Eight Female Inmates, Vows Justice Reform and Prison Decongestion

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has ordered the release of eight female inmates, including two pregnant women and two nursing mothers, from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre, settling their fines and compensation debts as part of a humanitarian intervention.

The gesture was made during an unscheduled visit to the facility on Friday, where the governor was accompanied by senior state officials. The visit, according to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa, was aimed at assessing inmates’ living conditions and exploring ways the state could improve prison welfare and rehabilitation efforts.

Governor Yusuf emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing correctional infrastructure, supporting vulnerable inmates, and fast-tracking the release of individuals held for minor offences.

During his interaction with prison officials, the governor raised concerns over the high number of inmates awaiting trial. Out of the 1,939 inmates at the Goron-Dutse facility, only 382 had been convicted, while a staggering 1,536 remain on remand.

“The state government will collaborate with the judiciary to speed up the dispensation of justice and decongest our correctional centres,” Yusuf assured.

He encouraged inmates to remain hopeful and view their current challenges as temporary, urging them to embrace reform and prepare for reintegration into society.

To support inmate welfare, the governor ordered the immediate supply of cows, food items, mattresses, blankets, and beverages to the facility.

In a related move, Governor Yusuf also paid a surprise visit to the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility, where he announced plans to relocate inmates from the overcrowded Kurmawa Correctional Centre to Janguza, which he praised for its better infrastructure.

He commended retired General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, former Minister of Interior, for his role in establishing the Janguza facility during his time in office.

Reaffirming his broader social agenda, Yusuf pledged to support the rehabilitation of inmates through vocational training and to assist those wishing to return to school upon release.

Inmates at both facilities reportedly expressed heartfelt appreciation for the governor’s visit and his administration’s commitment to improving their welfare and access to justice.

Source: TV360 Nigeria