As part of a concerted effort to solve the overcrowding issue in Correctional Centres, the Federal Government has successfully settled fines and compensations amounting to N52 million for a total of 399 inmates housed in various centres across Kaduna State. Dr. Ado Saleh, the Comptroller of Correctional Service in Kaduna State, made this revelation during the inauguration of the initiative in Zaria on Monday.
The initiative, designed and implemented by the Federal Government, aims to release inmates by covering fines and compensations owed. The inauguration event in Zaria marked the release of 68 inmates from Zaria, Makarfi, Soba, and Ikara Correctional Centres. Previously, 110 inmates had been released in Kaduna as part of the same program.
In total, 399 inmates in Kaduna State benefited from the initiative, with a financial commitment of N52 million.
The program simultaneously unfolded in Kaduna, Kafanchan, and Zaria, resulting in the release of 281 individuals across the state. Among them, 68 inmates were released in Zaria, with 43 from Zaria, 19 from Soba, 5 from Makarfi, and 19 from Ikara Correctional Centres.
The Comptroller, Dr. Ado Saleh, emphasized that each beneficiary would receive N10,000 as transport fare.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, explained that the initiative’s primary purpose was to ease the congestion in Correctional Centres by settling fines and compensations ranging from one Naira to one million Naira for eligible inmates.
Represented by John Otuka, the Assistant Legal Adviser at the Federal Ministry of Interior, Mr. Ojo highlighted the over-stretched state of facilities and centres nationwide.
The initiative, he stated, aimed to reduce the inmate population and allow the judiciary to play its role effectively. Nationally, over 4,068 inmates were expected to benefit from this initiative.
Solomon Atambe, a resident of Railway Quarters, Sabon-Gari-Zaria, expressed gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries, commending the Federal Government for this invaluable gesture. He urged fellow recipients to reciprocate by refraining from further transgressions and encouraged them to utilize the skills acquired during their time in the correctional facility.
