News
Philanthropist Pays Fines For Nine Prison Inmates In Kwara
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
An anonymous philanthropist has freed nine inmates from two correctional facilities in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, by offsetting the fines imposed on them by the courts.
Six of the inmates were freed from Oke-Kura prison, while the remaining three were freed from Mandala prison, both in Ilorin.
It was gathered that the anonymous philanthropist, secured the release of the inmates after paying their fines from his annual Zakat (charity).
Zakat is the fourth pillar of Islam through which wealthy Muslims give out a prescribed amount of their wealth in charity to the less-privileged members of the society, including debtors and prisoners.
Findings by this medium revealed that many inmates are languishing in prison facilities because of their inability to pay various fines in lieu of the imprisonment
It was gathered that the inability of some inmates to pay the fines imposed on them, upon conviction by the courts, is a major reason why the prisons are congested.
For instance, the four correctional centres in Kwara State – Oke-Kura, Mandala, Omu-Aran and Lafiagi – which were designed to accommodate 600 inmates are now being occupied by no fewer than 1,232 inmates.
It was also gathered that the freed nine inmates include a couple who regained their freedom just one day to clock one year in captivity .
When contacted, the Kwara State Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Services, Mr. Oyeniran Famuwagun, confirmed the release of the nine inmates from the Oke-Kura and Mandala correctional centres after the philanthropist who sought anonymity paid their various fines.
He emphasised the need for fellow well-meaning citizens to emulate the philanthropist in the Nation’s collective efforts to decongest the prisons and make inmates better reformed citizens after the completion of their prison terms.
While commending the Federal Government for its efforts in ensuring the wellbeing of the inmates, Famuwagun said that more still needs to be done in the provision of more bed spaces for the facilities in Kwara State, especially at Oke-Kura.
He acknowledged the support of the Kwara State government to the Command, citing the recent tarring of the road that leads to the Command’s headquarters at the GRA, Ilorin and the sinking of a borehole at Oke-Kura centre by the wife of the Governor, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, while further appealing for provision of more logistics like vehicles for the Command.
Famuwagun called for the relocation of Oke-kura correctional centre from its present location in the heart of Ilorin metropolis to a new site, to allow for the provision of more facilities like vocational centres and study centres for National Open University (NOUN)for the inmates to be well reformed.
He, therefore, appealed to the Kwara State government for more support to the Command, particularly in the areas of vehicles and staff accommodation, adding that the Command did not even have enough vehicles to convey inmates to courts.
Famuwagun added: “Many inmates at Oke-Kura prison are being detained for inability to pay various fines. So, if we have more donors like this anonymous philanthropist, more inmates could be freed and the prisons will thus become decongested.”
Above all, Famuwagun recommended quick dispensation of justice by the judiciary and the synergy among the relevant stakeholders as some of the measures that could pave the way for prison decongestion.
Ends
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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