Former Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, has secured the release of 59 inmates with minor offences in the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Correctional Centres in Kano State.
The former Emir paid about N17 million for their release through the Muhammadu Sanusi II Foundation, a Non Governmental Organization, NGO.
Speaking to journalists in Kano on Wednesday, the coordinator of the foundation, Mujitaba Abba, said the founder of the NGO, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi ll, gave permission to secure the release 59 of the prisoners after payment of N16,820,370 in fines and restitution.
Mr Abba explained that at the Kurmawa Correctional Centre, the emir had paid the fines of 26 inmates, amounting to N4,466,500.
He added that at Goron Dutse facility, 33 inmates were released after their fines, amounting to N11,380,770 was paid.
“We have discovered that a lot of the inmates are there on issues of debts and other minor cases. The cases are mostly civil.
“So, His Royal Highness has settled the restitution and fines, amounting to N16,820, 370,” he explained.
Mr Abba said some inmates were victims of circumstances, while some had indeed committed the offence, adding that they were cautioned against committing the offence again.
He called on the beneficiaries to be good-natured and stay away from any illegal acts or crimes that would bring them back to the correctional centres.
He added that the foundation had been delivering such gestures for many years, calling on wealthy Nigerians to help the poor and less privileged in the society.
