By Ovat Abeng
A non-governmental organization (NGO), Abu Mmaduaburochukwu Foundation, has paid fines to secure the release of ten indigent inmates from Awka and Onitsha Custodial Centres in Anambra State.
Founder of ABU Foundation, Chief Mmaduaburochukwu Attah, who spoke to Journalists shortly after the release ceremony, said the gesture was part of the Foundation’s Corporate Social Responsibility to better the society.
He said that the foundation secured the release of the inmates to decongest the custodial centres in the state.
Attah, who is also an estate developer and a transporter, explained that the foundation paid thousands of naira to secure the release of the ten inmates that were sentenced for committing various offences.
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He maintained that the foundation had been providing food and other items for inmates in custodial centres across the state, but decided to rather pay fines for inmates.
“This is giving back to the society with a view to improving it and averting dangers before they happen.
“Congestion of correctional facilities is a serious problem and if not checked and address could lead to breakdown of law and order as well as jail break,” he said.
The benefactor also advised the former inmates to desist from crime or any act that could bring them back to the facility.
“Now that you all have regained your freedom, put the skills you have learnt into use to earn a living as you go to your various homes,” Chief Attah said.
In their separate remarks, the Deputy Controller of Onitsha Custodial Correctional Centre, Sunday Igwe, and his Awka counterpart, Solomon Ubah, applauded the founder for the gesture and urged spirited individuals and groups to emulate them.
“They warned the released inmates against crime and urged them to be of good behaviour.
“we want to use this opportunity to admonish you to put into use the good behaviors and the skills you have learnt while in the custody,” the officers stated.
In thier joyous mode, the released inmates, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the gesture and pledged to stay away from crime.
The Foundation also secure five International passport to five youths in the state
It was gathered that the freedom ceremony was held in the presence of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) officers, Nigeria Police delegates from Zone 13 Ukpo, led by its Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ihunwo Josephine, members of the press, and the management team of the Foundation at the NCS facilities in Awka and Onitsha respectively on Thursday, 2nd May, 2024.
