A non-governmental organisation, Victory Idewele Foundation, has paid the sum of 10 million naira to enable 27 inmates with the option of fine and compensation to regain their freedom in Kogi state.
The PUNCH reports that the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, made this known on Saturday during a three-day visit to the six correctional centres in the state.
“Aside from the payment of fines and compensations made by the foundation, the NGO has also decided to train the freed inmates for three months in Abuja to enable them to acquire skills and become self-reliant in society,” Justice Majebi said.
According to him, at the Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre, two inmates, Mustapha Idris, who was fined ₦50,000, regained his freedom, while Kehinde Amaka, sentenced to one-year imprisonment with a fine of ₦300,000, benefited from the gesture of the foundation but has to remain in custody until January 15, 2025, to complete his jail term.
Also, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kabba, the Chief Judge released 20 inmates, while five inmates were released in Ankpa.
The Chief Judge, who stated that the essence of the visit was to ensure that no inmate was being detained unjustly, cautioned the magistrates against being used as agents of oppression.
He lamented the way and manner in which some prosecutors delay cases unnecessarily, causing awaiting trial inmates to stay long periods in custody.
