Ebonyi First Lady Secures Freedom of 25 Inmates, Pays N20m Fines

Twenty-five indigent inmates have been released from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, after fines totalling N20.041 million were paid through the intervention of the wife of the state governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru.

The beneficiaries, all eligible for option-of-fine sentences, comprised 24 men and one woman. Of the total, 23 inmates were released from the Abakaliki facility, while two were freed from the Afikpo custodial centre.

Confirming the development, the Officer in Charge of the centre, Deputy Comptroller Oyoko Angela Chima Igwugwu, said the First Lady’s intervention has been a consistent initiative over the years. She disclosed that Mrs Nwifuru facilitated the release of 41 inmates in 2024 and 53 inmates in 2023, in addition to providing meals and transport assistance.

Speaking at the release ceremony, Mrs Nwifuru commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for its efforts in rehabilitation and reintegration, noting that the initiative aligns with the governor’s “Charter of People’s Needs” as well as her non-governmental organisation, Better World Foundation (BEWO), which supports vulnerable groups.

She advised the freed inmates to live law-abiding lives and appreciated correctional officers for their commitment and humane treatment of inmates.

Also speaking, the Ebonyi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ben Odo, lauded the First Lady’s gesture, drawing attention to congestion at the Abakaliki custodial centre, which currently holds 1,018 inmates despite having a capacity of 387.

One of the released inmates, Obinna Ogbu, thanked Mrs Nwifuru for the intervention and pledged to live a reformed life, while also commending correctional officers for their support during his time in custody.

The initiative highlights the Ebonyi State Government’s focus on social welfare, rehabilitation and compassionate governance, especially during the festive season.

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