From Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
A member of the House of Representatives, Usman Murtala Banye, representing Batagarawa/Rimi/Charanchi Federal Constituency, has facilitated the release of 15 inmates from a custodial centre in Katsina State after paying fines imposed on them by the court.
The freed inmates, comprising 11 men and four women, regained their freedom after the lawmaker settled fines totalling N1.56m over cases largely related to debt disputes and minor domestic issues.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the lawmaker’s representative, Yahaya Galadima, said the intervention was carried out during the Ramadan period to support vulnerable individuals in detention.
“We came to the custodial centre to see the condition of our brothers and sisters in detention during this blessed month of Ramadan. Our lawmaker gave us the opportunity to assist them after receiving information from a concerned and patriotic individual,” he said.
Galadima added that the decision followed information provided by Sadiq Radda, who drew attention to the plight of the inmates.
“From the report we received, the individuals were not involved in serious criminal offences. Most of the cases were related to debt issues and minor disputes within families,” he added.
According to him, the intervention led to the payment of N1.56m in fines, securing the release of 15 inmates from the custodial facility.
He further disclosed that those freed included residents from Katsina metropolis, Kaduna State, Mani Local Government Area, as well as Batagarawa and Rimi local government areas.
Galadima noted that the gesture was not limited to constituents alone but extended to others in need.
“The support we received from the lawmaker was beyond what could be limited only to people from his constituency. We decided to extend the gesture to others because it was done for the sake of God and out of compassion,” he said.
He added that the intervention formed part of efforts to provide relief to vulnerable members of society during Ramadan and offer beneficiaries an opportunity to reintegrate into their communities.
