Abuja: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) on Monday facilitated the release of four Suleja Correctional Service inmates. The release took place during a visit to the facility by NHRC and HBBA in commemoration of Nelson Mandela Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the four inmates released are Michael Udoh, Abdul Hassan, Mohammed Sani, and Yunusa Yusuf. The fine of N300,000 was paid for their offence, and they were also given transport fares to enable them to get home.
Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, explained that July 18 was the official Mandela Day. "We took leave to celebrate it today because we wanted to celebrate it with the inmates at the Suleja Correctional Centre. We celebrate the Mandela Day every year to shine light on the legacy of a man who changed how prisoners should be treated. So that their dignity will be maintained, so that poverty will be eliminated."
He emphasized that prisoners are entitled to basic rights such as food, health, freedom of expression, and must be treated with dignity. He added, "Today we have also paid fines for those who were locked up because they couldn't afford to pay."
Additionally, Mr. Samuel Olukade, Chief Legal Officer of HBBA, expressed concern about the limited number of correctional centres in the country for female inmates and urged corrections officers to treat female inmates with special care.
This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to address issues within the correctional system and ensure the humane treatment of inmates, reflecting a broader commitment to human rights and justice.