Lady Jailed For ‘Killing’ Husband Among 10,000 Inmates Released From Prison

The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN has disclosed that over 10,000 inmates have been released from Nigeria Correctional Centres nationwide, since 2017.

A statement issued by the AGF’s Spokesperson, Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, said the Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and Decongestion, inaugurated by Malami in 2017 has facilitated the release of “over 10,000 inmates” including about 31 inmates recently released from the Nigerian Correctional Centre in Kano.

One Rahama Husseini who was sent to jail for circumstances surrounding her husband death, was also released.

Malami explained that Rahama was freed following a state pardon by Kano State Governor,Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among other things.

“The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) brought to the attention of the chairman Hon. (Dr.) Justice I. U Bello(Rtd), the case of Rahama Husseini.

“In 2015, Rahama said to be Fourteen (14) years at the time, was alleged to have been forcibly married off by her father and three days after, whilst her husband attempted to consummate the marriage, a struggle ensued which led to his unfortunate death.

“While granting State Pardon to Rahama, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State promised that the State Government will support her rehabilitation process.

“The inmate is said to have been in custody for almost seven (7) years now.

“Representatives of UNODC and Buni Yadi Foundation were also present to lend their voice and support to the release of Rahama,” the statement partly read.

Gwandu further stated that fines were paid by relevant stakeholders prior to the release of the 31 inmates at the Kano correctional center.

“The Committee was in Kano for an on-the- spot assessment of condition of Correctional Centres and inmates with a view to making payment of fines for inmates who were convicted of minor offences with option of fines but unable to pay the fines as well as general review of peculiar cases.

“During the visits 19 inmates were released through payment of fines by the Federal Ministry of Justice, 3 were released through payment of fines by the Buni Yadi Foundation and 2 were released as well through payment made by Policy Vault Africa.

“Similarly, additional 7 inmates released due to old age,” the statement added.

Gwandu stated that the Committee was now looking at the reformation of the juvenile Justicen in the country.