Kaduna releases 547 Prisoners, discards 600+ cases...

In an effort to decongest the prisons, Kaduna State Government on Monday ordered the release of 547 prisoners from Prisons across the state, among them nine old men who are above the age of 60 and an HIV carrier.

The inmates were released from Kaduna, Zaria, Kafanchan, Kachia, Kwoi, Soba, Makarfi, Saminaka, Birnin Gwari, Manchok, Gwantu and Ikara prisons.

Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Garba Uba-Shehu, told newsmen on Monday in Kaduna State that the government had discarded over 600 cases.

The Commissioner said the release of the prisoners was based on the recommendation of the Prison Decongestion Committee set up by Governor Mukhtar Yero.

He said, “His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State approved the establishment of a Prison Decongestion Committee under my leadership with members from the judiciary and Kaduna State Prison Command and the Police to ensure the decongestion of prison.

“The committee has embarked on this noble cause in prisons and satelite prisons across the state. The committee released 547 inmates awaiting trial on minor offences, while over 600 cases were terminated.

http://www.punchng.com/news/hiv-carrier-546-inmates-regain-freedom-in-kaduna/