From Kamilu Lawal, Katsina
The member representing Batagarawa/Rimi/Charanchi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Arc. Usman Murtala Banye, popularly known as Usmaniyya, has facilitated the release of 15 inmates from the Katsina custodial centre after paying fines imposed on them by the court.
The freed inmates, comprising men and women, regained their freedom after the lawmaker settled fines totalling N1.56m levied by the court over cases largely related to debt disputes and minor domestic conflicts.
The lawmaker’s representative, Hon. Yahaya Galadima, who led the delegation that secured the inmates’ release, disclosed this while speaking with journalists after the exercise in Katsina.
Galadima explained that the intervention followed reports about the inmates’ plight and the need to assist them during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to him, the lawmaker approved the intervention after being contacted regarding the situation of the inmates.
He said, “We came to the custodial centre to see the condition of our brothers and sisters in detention during this blessed month of Ramadan. Our lawmaker gave us the opportunity to assist them after receiving information from a concerned and patriotic individual, Prof. Sadiq Radda.
“From the report we received, the individuals were not involved in serious criminal offences. Most of the cases were related to debt issues and minor disputes within families.”
Galadima added that the lawmaker provided N1.56m, which was used to pay the fines of the inmates, leading to the release of 15 persons.
He further disclosed that among those freed were four residents of Katsina metropolis, one person from Kaduna State, and two from Mani Local Government Area of Katsina State, while others were from Batagarawa and Rimi local government areas.
Galadima said the intervention was not limited to constituents alone, explaining that the assistance was extended to anyone in need regardless of origin.
“The support we received from the lawmaker was beyond what could be limited only to people from his constituency. That is why we decided to extend the gesture to others because the intervention was done for the sake of God and out of compassion for the people,” he said.
The gesture, he added, was part of efforts to support vulnerable members of society during the Ramadan period and offer them a second chance to reintegrate into their communities.
