By Peter Omopo
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has secured the release of eight female inmates — including four pregnant women and nursing mothers — by settling their fines during an unannounced visit to the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre on Friday.
The intervention is part of the governor’s broader commitment to reforming the state’s correctional system and improving the welfare of inmates.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa, Governor Yusuf’s visit was aimed at assessing the living conditions within the facility and identifying areas where the state government could provide immediate support and long-term rehabilitation measures.
The governor expressed deep concern over the large number of inmates still awaiting trial. Out of 1,939 inmates in custodial centres across the state, only 382 have been convicted, while a staggering 1,536 remain on the awaiting trial list.
“This is a worrisome situation that calls for urgent attention,” Yusuf said. “My administration is committed to supporting the rehabilitation of inmates and decongesting our correctional facilities, especially for those held over minor offences or who cannot afford legal representation or fines.”
Governor Yusuf also pledged that his government would continue working with the judiciary and correctional authorities to implement phased releases and ensure fairer access to justice for vulnerable groups.
