Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has secured the release of eight female inmates from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre after settling their fines and compensation charges.
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The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, following an unscheduled visit by the Governor to the facility alongside top government officials.
Among those released were two pregnant women and two nursing mothers. Governor Yusuf said his visit aimed to assess inmates’ conditions and identify ways the government could support their welfare and rehabilitation.
He expressed concern over the high number of awaiting-trial inmates, revealing that out of 1,939 inmates at the centre, only 382 had been convicted while 1,536 were still awaiting trial.
Governor Yusuf pledged to work with the judiciary to speed up the justice process and decongest the state’s correctional centres. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to facilitating the release of inmates held for minor offences.
To support the wellbeing of those still in custody, he ordered the immediate supply of cows, food items, mattresses, blankets, and beverages to the Goron-Dutse facility.
In a related development, the Governor paid a surprise visit to the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility and announced plans to relocate inmates from the Kurmawa Correctional Centre to Janguza, which he described as having better infrastructure and living conditions.
He encouraged young and able-bodied inmates to reflect on their lives and embrace reform ahead of their reintegration into society. He also commended retired General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, former Minister of Interior, for his role in establishing the Janguza centre.
