By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON, Kaduna.
A Kaduna based philantropist, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani has effected the release of 9 inmates from the Kaduna Convict Prison over the weekend.
Speaking to the media, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani said it is in the spirit of the Christian fasting period also known as ‘Lent’ that she was moved with compassion to carry out the humanitarian activity so that they too can rejoin their loved ones to observe the fast.
According to her, the 9 inmates released committed crimes that were nothing to write home about. Some of this crimes ranges from fightings with friends or neighbors to thefts.
She stated that because the 9 inmates could not afford the N2000 or N3000 bail condition they were sent to Prison,and called on well meaning Nigerians to follow suit.
While handing out transport fares to the released inmates to help ferry them back to their respective destinations, Hajiya Tijjani cautioned them against going back to their old ways of lives but become change Agents in any environments they find themselves to make Nigeria a better place.
“Today I’m effecting the release of 9 inmates from the Kaduna Convict Prison, and before the end of March, 2017, I hope to effect the release of 15 more inmates.
“If you go to the Prison you’ll discover some of the inmates committed crimes that are bailable and were nothing to write home about. And because they could not meet the N2000 or N3000 bail condition; they were sent to Prison.
“I”m calling on well meaning Nigerians to follow suit to help decongest our Prisons, “she said.
One of the released inmates, Yakubu Musa, 45 years, a security guard at U/Rimi, Kaduna North Local Government Area of the state, said he stole a gas cylinder worth N6000, and sold it but was got and sent to Prison.
“I left my duty post and took someone gas cylinder to sell to another person. The owner of the cylinder came and identify his property. He reported me to the police and I was arrested and sent to Prison. I’ve been here for 3 three weeks now.
“As I came out of this Prison I saw another world. I thank Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani and the men of God that came to bail me out. I pray the Almighty God bless them abundantly.
“I gave my life to Christ right in the Prison and I’ve vowed not to drink again because it is when I’m drunk that I commit crime , ” he said.
