Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has secured the release of eight female inmates from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre after settling their fines and compensation fees. Among those released were two pregnant women and two nursing mothers.

 

The development was announced in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa, on Saturday. The release followed an unscheduled visit by Governor Yusuf to the facility, where he assessed inmates’ living conditions and pledged broader reforms to support rehabilitation and welfare.

 

Expressing concern over the high number of pretrial detainees, Yusuf noted that out of 1,939 inmates at the facility, only 382 had been convicted, while 1,557 remained on remand. He assured that his administration would work with the judiciary to accelerate justice delivery and reduce prison congestion.

 

The governor urged inmates to remain hopeful, describing their incarceration as a temporary phase and encouraging them to embrace reform in anticipation of reintegration into society. He also ordered the immediate provision of cows, foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and beverages to improve living conditions at the center.

 

In a related move, Yusuf visited the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility, announcing plans to transfer inmates from the overcrowded Kurmawa Centre. He commended the infrastructure and acknowledged the contribution of retired General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, former Minister of Interior, in establishing the facility.

 

Inmates at both centers welcomed the governor’s visit and expressed appreciation for his commitment to prison reforms and inmate welfare.