Daily Trust - the online edition

Member of the House of Representatives, representing Gwale federal constituency, Alhaji A.A. Sule has settled the fines of 50 prisoners serving their various jail terms at Goron Duste Prison, Kano, because the prison authorities have certified that they are of good character and conduct.

Speaking at the ceremony held yesterday at the prison premises, the House member also said that he is ready to pay the fine options of other inmates who exhibit good character. The legislator who was represented by Alhaji Nura One-Boy, said that the gesture would also complement government’s efforts at decongesting the prison.

The National Assembly member said the beneficiaries are mainly those who are serving short prison terms, were not able to pay fine at the time of conviction, noting that the prison has 600 capacity but its lock-out yesterday had 799 inmates.

"So if we reduce the number, we are helping the government and at the same time, the less-privileged inmates, some of whom had serve jail terms because they cannot, and none of their relations can settle the meagre fine option," A.A. Sule said.

The legislator also implored the freed inmates not to engage in criminal acts that will bring them back to prison, adding that he would remain committed to Nigerians and will continue to champion the cause of the less privileged.

Responding, the Officer Commanding of Goron Duste Prison, Alhaji Yahaya Aliyu, said the Prison Service is happy with efforts of the House member in decongesting the prison, saying Nigeria Prison Service is grateful.

While calling on the freed inmates to "go and sin no more," Alhaji Yahaya also noted that Nigerian Prison Service gives robust vocational training to inmates so that they can have jobs after serving their jail terms.