Kano Committee Moves to Decongest Custodial Centres, Improve Inmates’ Welfare

The Kano State Government has intensified efforts to address congestion and improve the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates across custodial centres in the state.

The development followed an intervention by a state government committee led by its Chairperson, Hajiya Azumi Bebeji, during a visit to the custodial facilities.

The committee interacted with inmates and assessed some of the challenges affecting their welfare, rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society.

Speaking during the exercise, Bebeji said the inmates presented several requests and appealed for government intervention in areas affecting their well-being.

She assured them that their concerns had been documented and would be considered within the available resources and existing legal framework.

Bebeji also reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Yusuf to supporting the welfare of inmates and improving conditions within custodial facilities.

She encouraged the inmates to remain hopeful and continue praying for the state government as efforts to address their concerns continue.

The Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, CC Ahmed Lakpene, commended the committee for its intervention, describing the initiative as an important step towards reducing congestion and improving conditions in custodial centres across the state.

Lakpene said the intervention was consistent with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which places emphasis on humane custody, rehabilitation, reformation and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

He assured the committee and the state government of the command’s continued cooperation in addressing challenges within the custodial system.

According to him, the command would continue working with the Kano State Government, the committee and other relevant stakeholders to promote safer, more humane and rehabilitation-focused custodial facilities across the state.