Kano Reaffirms Commitment to Inmates Welfare, Upon Reviews of 300 Case Files, Frees 100 Inmates in a Strategic Push to Decongest Prisons

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Kano State Government has intensified efforts to reform its correctional system, reviewing over 300 case files and facilitating the release of more than 100 inmates in the past six months as part of a broader strategy to decongest facilities and improve inmate welfare.

Reaffirming its commitment to a more humane and efficient correctional system, the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Abdulkareem Kabiru Maude (SAN) at the first of the two day Ministry of Interior Stakeholders Engagement Report of Independent Investigative Panel on Correctional Services held at Transcorp Hilton said the interventions are part of sustained reforms aimed at strengthening infrastructure and ensuring the timely administration of justice.

“Significant progress has been made over the past six months,”  he stated, noting that “no fewer than 300 case files have been reviewed as part of ongoing efforts to decongest correctional facilities and ensure timely administration of justice,” while “over 100 inmates have been successfully facilitated for release.”

The Attorney General also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government in enhancing living conditions within correctional centres through the provision of essential supplies.

It noted “the continued support from the Federal Government, particularly in the provision of essential supplies such as food items, mattresses, and other critical materials aimed at improving the living conditions of inmates.”

As part of measures to address infrastructure deficits, he disclosed that several targeted interventions have been implemented, including efforts to reduce overcrowding and improve access to basic services.

“These include the construction of beds funded through personal resources to ease overcrowding, as well as the installation of a solar power system at the health facility in Goron Dutse correctional centre, facilitated through partnerships,” he said.

Additional improvements highlighted include “the provision of water pipes and other essential equipment to enhance access to basic amenities and promote a more humane environment within the facilities.”

The state further revealed that discussions are ongoing to strengthen coordination among correctional centres, with plans to optimize existing facilities in collaboration with federal authorities.

It emphasized kano state government readiness to continue supporting reforms within its capacity, including infrastructure development and institutional backing, while underscoring the importance of judicial collaboration.

He noted “the critical role of the judiciary, particularly the Office of the Chief Judge, in supporting reforms and facilitating improvements within the correctional system.”

Reiterating Kano state long-term commitment, He pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to build “a more efficient, humane, and rehabilitative correctional system” across the state.