Governor frees pregnant women, nursing mothers from prison

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has secured the release of eight female inmates from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre, including two pregnant women and two nursing mothers, as part of a compassionate intervention for those incarcerated over minor offences.

The women, unable to pay fines and compensation, were granted freedom after Governor Yusuf personally settled their dues in full.

He emphasized the importance of humane treatment for vulnerable inmates, stating, “These women, especially those carrying unborn children or nursing infants, deserve compassion and a chance to return to their families.

“No child should be born or raised behind bars.”

During a visit to the correctional centre, the governor was accompanied by top government officials as he inspected the living conditions of inmates and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prison reform and inmate welfare.

“I came here today not just to assess the facility, but to assure inmates that they are not forgotten.

“Our focus is on rehabilitation, not punishment,” Yusuf said.

The governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed the release in a statement, highlighting it as part of broader efforts to support rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

Addressing the inmates, Governor Yusuf encouraged them to see their imprisonment as a temporary setback and urged them to rebuild their lives upon release.

In expressing concern over congestion in Kano’s prisons, Yusuf revealed that of the 1,939 inmates at Goron-Dutse, only 382 had been convicted, while 1,536 were awaiting trial.

He vowed to work closely with the judiciary to expedite trials and reduce overcrowding.

To address congestion, the governor also announced the planned relocation of inmates from the overcrowded Kurmawa Correctional Centre to the more spacious and better-equipped Janguza Maximum Security Facility.

He praised the infrastructure at Janguza and emphasized the need to provide better living conditions for inmates.

As part of immediate welfare improvements, Governor Yusuf ordered the provision of cows, foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and beverages for inmates across the correctional centres.

The Star