By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Legal Assistance and Citizens’ Rights Initiative (LACRI), in collaboration with the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) Tera Kona Deck, Canada, Wednesday, facilitated the release of five inmates from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The inmates, convicted of minor offences but unable to afford their fines and compensations, were freed after LACRI paid their penalties.
The group also donated essential items, including commercial umbrellas, chairs, tables, baby food, and other supplies to support the facility, particularly infants born in custody.
During the Suleja Correctional Center visit, LACRI Chapter President Viktor Oscar Ikiriko highlighted the importance of their intervention.
He explained that, “these inmates committed minor offences and were incarcerated simply because they couldn’t afford their fines or compensations. Our motivation is rooted in humanity and justice.”
While citing specific cases, Ikiriko said, “Jamila Idris, was sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of ₦150,000 fine and ₦150,000 compensation for selling a door he didn’t own.
“Philip David, a security worker sentenced to 10 months after failing to pay ₦50,000 fine and ₦172,000 compensation when a truck load of sand and blocks under his watch went missing. Also, Isiaku Monday, a tiler sentenced to 16 months or pay a fine of ₦40,000 and ₦61,300 compensation after a wheelbarrow he borrowed was stolen.
“Abubakar Adamu, sentenced to two months or a fine of ₦100,000. And Mr Shamsudeen Abdullahi, who sold his mother’s pot to raise money, sentenced to one year or a fine of ₦15,000 with ₦100,000 compensation.”
Ikiriko, who is the Cap’n of Zuma Deck, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring justice for the indigent and addressing the challenges in correctional facilities.
“We aim to provide basic needs for children born in prison and ensure justice for those who should not be incarcerated.” He said.
The Deputy Controller of Suleja Custodial Centre, Ya’u Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to the NGO while decrying the harsh realities of running the facility.
He revealed that the prison, established in 1914 to house 250 inmates, now accommodates 369.
“The overcrowding is due to minor offenders being sent here instead of placed under non-custodial measures,” he said.
Ibrahim also pointed out issues with inadequate funding, noting that the daily allocation per inmate, though recently increased from ₦750 to ₦1,125, is still insufficient.
“The daily feeding allowance per inmate, though recently increased to ₦1,125, is still insufficient. incarceration alone is punishment enough; depriving inmates of a balanced diet is not fair,” he stated.
Ibrahim called for increased funding for transportation to court hearings, citing rising fuel costs as a significant hurdle.
“We buy fuel at over ₦1,100 per litre. This makes it nearly impossible to transport inmates to court daily,” he added.
He further called on the judiciary and government to prioritize the implementation of non-custodial sentencing for minor offences.
“We have the non-custodial option, but it is underutilized. The judiciary must implement it to decongest facilities,” he said.
On digitalization, the Deputy Controller emphasized the need for modern tools to enhance administration.
“We lack basic equipment like computers. In this digital age, the government should provide these to improve efficiency and supervision,” he added.
Ibrahim urged NGOs, individuals, and religious organizations to complement government efforts in addressing the challenges facing custodial centres.
“The government cannot do it alone. We depend on good-hearted individuals and organizations to assist us with resources to meet the needs of inmates, especially pregnant women and infants born in custody,” he said.
