By Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
A non-governmental organisation, Gidan Alheri/Dangin Juna Africa, has secured the release of four inmates from the Gombe State Correctional Centre after settling fines and compensation imposed on them by the courts.
The beneficiaries, made up of three young men and one woman, had remained in custody despite being convicted of minor offences due to their inability to pay the financial penalties ordered by the courts.
The intervention took place during a visit by officials of the organisation to the correctional facility, led by its Chairman, Hon. Sagir A.A. Haruna, alongside members of the group, including Barrister Abubakar Haruna Anatare, a member of the committee overseeing the organisation’s humanitarian activities.
Receiving the delegation, the Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge of the facility, DCC Victor Odafen, lauded the organisation for the gesture, describing it as a timely intervention capable of reducing congestion at the centre.
Odafen disclosed that the facility, which was originally designed to accommodate 399 inmates, currently houses more than 1,000 persons, stressing the need for increased support from individuals, philanthropists and charitable organisations.
He said the intervention by Gidan Alheri reflected compassion and concern for vulnerable members of society.
“Gidan Alheri has lived up to the meaning of its name through this noble gesture. If more organisations and well-meaning Nigerians emulate this initiative, overcrowding in correctional centres across the country will be considerably reduced,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, its Chairman, Hon. Sagir A.A. Haruna, said assisting vulnerable and indigent persons remains one of the key objectives of Gidan Alheri/Dangin Juna Africa.
According to him, the organisation is committed to extending support to the less privileged whenever the opportunity presents itself, noting that its interventions are designed to restore hope and improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged persons.
Haruna also commended members of the organisation for their dedication and contributions towards sustaining humanitarian programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.
In addition to facilitating the release of the inmates, a member of the organisation, Hauwa’u Abdulmumini, popularly known as Hasken Matan Gona, donated start-up capital and clothing materials to the freed woman to enable her establish a means of livelihood and become self-reliant.
The beneficiaries, whose identities were not disclosed, expressed appreciation to the organisation for the intervention and prayed for divine blessings upon its members for their generosity and commitment to humanitarian service
