By Cecilia Ogezi (Correspondent, Abuja)
A non-government organization (NGO) known as Joint Professional Training Support( JPTS) International has facilitated the release of about 21 prisoners from Kuje and Suleja Correctional facilities for various offenses with the option of fine.
Speaking during an orientation program, the general manager, (JPTS), Adaeze Lemuels, explained that the gesture was part of the organization's "Global Wealth" project themed: Liberation Mission for Prisoners in Nigerian Prisons.
Lamuels who represented the president of the organization, Mr. Chris Imumolen, stated that the president has done remarkably well in his effort to change the narrative in redefining society by touching the lives of people in the society. This, according to her, extends to widows and orphans. She said the project of releasing inmates will be a continuous effort in Nigerian prisons.
Lemuels disclosed that the after-care for the released prisoners will include rehabilitation to ascertain their mental state, to know whether they are fit for scholarship or trade. She also urged other well-meaning individuals to contribute their quota to improve the lives of the less privileged in society.
JPTS alumni president, Mr. Abdullahi Kabir, said the release of the prisoners was done based on available data, especially data of those with the option of fine. He added that helping inmates who need the intervention was necessitated by the need to reach out to the inmates in need of such assistance. He disclosed that the least amount paid for the release of an inmate was 20,000.
He said that the target of the group was on civil cases, and especially cases of those who had been to the court. Some of the released inmates expressed their gratitude to the organization for their release, which they described as an act of God.
One of the freed prisoners, Abdullahi Isah, who was a salesperson for his boss, narrated his experiences in prison. "I am from Kaduna state. I was a salesperson, but while there, all the wares were stolen. I have served a year and seven months from my five years jail term. I was not expecting this kind of gesture. I was called upon for my released. I am very grateful for their kindness."
Another released prisoner, David Danjuma, who disclosed that he had served 7 months of his 3 years jail term, however, expressed his gratitude to the president while also advising youths to desist from crime. NNL.
