A senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Wamako, on Monday secured the release of 34 prison inmates, among them, a teenage girl, following his settlement of fines imposed on them.
Apart from settling the fines imposed on the inmates, who are serving their jail terms in various prisons across the state, Mr Wamako settled debts owed by some of them, which was responsible for their imprisonment.
Each of them was given N20,000 transport money to return home.
The gesture was extended to them under the Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Free Legal Services Foundation.
Mr Wamakko, a former governor of Sokoto State, represented by Bashiru Mu’azu, said the gesture was part of efforts to reduce congestion in the prisons.
“It is also aimed at assisting the freed inmates to celebrate the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr with their families,” he said.
The senator cautioned them against indulging in any act capable of bringing them back to the prison.
“You should be of good behaviour, be good ambassadors of your families, as well as strive to be good and productive citizens,” he advised.
The secretary of the foundation, Abdulhamid Zubairu, said the assistance was in line with the cardinal principles and objectives of helping less privileged inmates languishing in prison custody.
Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in the state, Lema Wali, represented by his Secretary, Kabir Mohammed, commended Mr Wamakko for the gesture.
Mr Wali urged other wealthy individuals to emulate the lawmaker, and promising that NBA would partner with other individuals and organizations in this direction.
Some of the freed inmates lauded Mr Wamakko for the gesture and promised to steer clear of crimes, to avoid going back to the prison.
NAN
