13 Inmates Freed In Keffi As NGO Pays Court Fines

No fewer than 13 inmates at the New Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State have regained their freedom after a non-governmental organisation paid fines and compensation imposed by the courts.

The humanitarian gesture was carried out by the Sunday and Omoikhere Orianran Foundation (SOOF), which offset the financial penalties that had kept the inmates in custody.

The officer-in-charge of the facility, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Samaila Bulus, confirmed the development, noting that the gesture aligns with ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres and support inmate rehabilitation.

Bulus said the Nigerian Correctional Service has continued to prioritise reform through vocational training, education and behavioural correction programmes.

He urged the released inmates to remain law-abiding and make productive use of the opportunity.

The founder of the foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Orianran-Anthony, said the intervention was aimed at supporting the reintegration of inmates who were unable to meet financial obligations imposed by the courts.

According to her, many inmates remain in custody due to their inability to pay fines, despite having completed other aspects of their sentences.

She added that the foundation would support the reintegration of the beneficiaries through follow-up monitoring and limited economic assistance.

LEADERSHIP reports that the foundation also donated food items and medical supplies to the custodial centre during the visit.