TheCable

Muhammadu Sanusi II, former emir of Kano, has secured the release of 59 inmates with minor offences from prisons across Kano state.

Sanusi paid their fines through his foundation, Muhammad Sanusi II Foundation.

Disclosing the development to journalists on Wednesday, Mujitaba Abba, the foundation’s coordinator, said the former emir gave permission to secure the release of the 59 persons after the payment of N16,820,370 in fines and restitution.

He said at the Kurmawa correctional centre, the emir paid the fines of 26 inmates amounting to N4,466,500, while at Goron Dutse facility, 33 inmates were released after their fines, amounting to N11,380,770, were paid.

“We have discovered that a lot of the inmates are there on issues of debts and other minor cases. The cases are mostly civil,” he said.

“So, his royal highness has settled the restitution and fines, amounting to N16,820,370.”

Abba said some of the inmates were “victims of circumstances”, while some had indeed committed the offences.

He, however, called on the beneficiaries to be of good character and stay away from any illegal act that would bring them back to the correctional facilities.

Abba also said the foundation had been carrying out similar gestures for years and called on wealthy individuals to assist the poor and underprivileged in the society.