Amidst congestion in Nigerian correctional centres, a Nigerian-based humanitarian organisation, “Sure4U”, secures the release of four inmates with financial issues in its pursuit to decongest the correctional centre and restore hope for the less-privileged in the country.
The freed inmates, Idris Aminu, Salim Mustafa, Abdullahi Ishaq, and Sanusi Isah, were released on March 15 and 16, 2024, from the medium security and custodian centre Kurmawa in Kano State, northern Nigeria. Their freedom was attained after Sure4U fulfilled their court fines and compensations owed to the authorities, leading to their trials and subsequent sentences to correctional facilities for several months.
However, one of the victims, Sanusi Isah, expressed his gratitude to the management of the humanitarian organisation “Sure4U” for facilitating his release. Isah acknowledged their intervention, which involved paying his debt amounting to N50,000 as compensation before the court, along with N5,000 as a court fine.
In an interview with Daily Episode shortly after his freedom, Isah noted “These mean a lot to me and my family. The money I couldn’t afford to pay someone who doesn’t know me or my struggles paid without expecting anything in return. This gesture is immense, and I assure you of my best efforts. I will never attempt to commit any form of illegal activity or engage in anything that could lead to arrest or a violation of the law.” Isah was narrated while shedding tears of joy.
Like Isah, Abdullahi Ishaq, whose court fine was N100,000, was cleared, and he joined the three others in freedom after Sure4U’s intervention. He also discloses that his freedom day from the medium security and custodian centre Kurmawa in Kano State can never be forgotten, while the support will forever be a milestone that will serve as a reminder to be a law-abiding citizen.
“I can recall how I was brought here in tears and sorrow; it was my first experience, and I met the unbearable condition of my life throughout my stay in this correctional centre, Ishaq narrates.
I have learned a lot and can also be an advocate of good morals, peaceful coexistence, and earning legitimate earnings to avoid being in court or serving a prison term.
However, I don’t pray to remember some of the people I met here, but I do pity those in similar situations to mine or who are serving for minor offences.
I therefore thank the management of Sure4U and everyone who contributes to our freedom, especially in this holy month of Ramadan. Such support will forever be a game changer in my life, Ishaq added.
Why We Freed Inmates
Umar Sabo Waziri, a field officer of the humanitarian organisations who reiterated the organisation’s mandate on humanitarian works, discloses that they are on a mission to put smiles on the faces of vulnerable people and ensure every individual enjoys what they deserve but legally.
According to Waziri, at Sure4U, they engage in rehabilitating the freed prisoners as well as street children to curtail crime rates and promote peaceful coexistence and tolerance among the prisoners.
He, however, called on Nigerians to engage youth and be game changers by alleviating the suffering of vulnerable people at all levels.
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