By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik has taken up the education responsibilities of a teenager serving jail term at the Minna Correctional Centre, Gabriel Sillas up to University level.
Gabriel Silas, who won the sympathy of the Niger state Chief Judge, according to findings is attested of being the most obedient inmate that not only always protecting the rules and regulations guiding the remand home but also exhibits traits living by the same rules.
The Chief Judge also pledged donation of (N500,000) five hundred thousand Naira to support the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre for the upgrading of their skills acquisition centre.
The Chief Judge extended her milk of kindness to the inmates during her annual visit to Correctional centres in Niger state as part of efforts to decongest the facilities.
Gabriel Sillas was sentenced to three years behind the bars along with, Isah Tanimu for criminal trespass, mischief and theft, an offence which contravened sections 228, 327 and 348 of the penal code law.
Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik was at the Minna Children Remand home as part of annual working visit to the correctional facilities across the state to decongest the centres.
During this year's visit to the remand home on Tuesday, Justice Halima, apparently moved with the remorseful disposition of Gabriel Silas who was in his early teenage when he was sentenced described his being in the remand home as basically due to avoidable circumstance that needed support in order for him to be useful to the society.
Justice Halima said, “The circumstances that brought him to this place could be avoided if he has good support from his mother. I can see talent in him. If he had a good support he will be useful to the society".
“You can even see how remorseful he has been since all these while. I have taken over his sponsorship of his education from now up to University level. I can't just allow him to waste his life at his age".
Justice Halima Abdulmalik who appeared emotional seeing the hidden talents in Sillas and the need not to allow such God given gifts to be wasted said, “I will sponsor his education up to University level. He needs support to put his talent into proper use", adding that she will not allow Sillas to waste but to better his life for him to be useful to the society”.
In addition, Justice Halima also granted pardon to Sillas jail mate, Isah Tanimu who were convicted with him and also pledged to pay part of their fine options. NNL.
