Twenty-seven inmates in Kogi State have been released from correctional centers after the Victory Idewele Foundation paid N10 million in fines and compensations. The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, announced this during a three-day visit to six correctional centers in the state.
The foundation’s gesture not only secured the inmates’ freedom but also included a three-month training program in Abuja to equip them with skills and promote self-reliance. Justice Majebi commended the foundation’s founder, Innocent Idewele, for choosing Kogi State for this initiative, stating that it would have a positive impact on the freed inmates.
The Chief Judge also cautioned magistrates against being used as agents of oppression and expressed concern over unnecessary delays in court cases, which result in awaiting trial inmates being detained for extended periods.
During the visit, 20 inmates were released from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kabba, while five inmates were released in Ankpa. Two inmates, Mustapha Idris and Kehinde Amaka, also benefited from the foundation’s gesture at the Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre.
The Victory Idewele Foundation’s efforts align with its mission to change lives, particularly for the less privileged, and emphasize that not every need should be left for the government to address.
