In a compassionate move to give hope to the underprivileged, the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has secured the release of 41 male inmates from the Nigerian Correctional Service Custodial Centre in Abakaliki. The inmates, convicted with the option of fines, were freed after the First Lady paid their fines. Among those released was a 16-year-old boy, Ogobuchi Ikebe, who was convicted for stealing a Bluetooth device.
While addressing the freed inmates, Mrs. Nwifuru urged them to shun criminal activities and embrace a positive transformation. She provided cash gifts to the former inmates, encouraging them to turn over a new leaf and rebuild their lives. Highlighting her passion for assisting the vulnerable, she stressed the importance of adopting good morals for the betterment of society.
Her initiative, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), has been pivotal in transforming lives. “This is the second time BERWO is extending such a gesture to inmates in the state. We will continue to give hope and support to those in need,” she said.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odo, provided insight into the state of the facility, revealing that it houses 1,265 inmates, including 31 females who are all facing capital charges such as murder. He clarified that none of the female inmates were eligible for the First Lady’s gesture as their cases are still in court.
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“The 31 female inmates are charged with capital offences. If convicted, they would be transferred to Enugu Maximum Prison, where those on death row are held. Only those convicted with the option of fines could benefit from this intervention,” Odo explained.
One of the freed inmates, 26-year-old Nwafor Emmanuel, expressed deep gratitude to the First Lady for his release after being incarcerated since August 2023 for stealing a generator. Reflecting on his harrowing experience, he vowed to avoid any actions that could lead to his return to prison.
“The condition of inmates in the prison is pathetic. I witnessed the death of five people during my time there. I am truly grateful to the governor’s wife for giving me a second chance,” Nwafor said.
