Chai! Kaduna prison for 547 now houses 1,283’

Deputy Controller of Prisons Ahmed Usman yesterday bemoaned the condition of inmates at the Kaduna Prisons, saying 1,283 inmates are occupying a facility built for 547.

Usman who spoke through the Chief Superintendent of Prisons Fatumbi Sunday, when Senator Shehu Sani visited the prison, said that beyond congestion, the prison was in need of drugs, mats, mattress, toiletries and disinfectants.

He stressed the need for inmates to be properly cared for as the less privileged of the society. 

“As at today we open out 1,283 while the prison was actually built to lock up 547 inmates. These inmates are human beings who eventually became less privileged whereby their freedom has been taken away and they need special care,” he said.

Speaking, Senator Shehu Sani said he was at the prison mainly to visit Dr. John DanFulani who he described as a political prisoner. “I am here first of all as a senator representing the zone where this prison is located. Secondly, I am here as someone who has been here as a political prisoner during the military era. My visit here today is mainly to see one of my friends, Dr. John Danfulani who is here on awaiting trial. When I was once in detention in 1993, John Danfulani visited me. I am dedicating this visit to Dr. John Danfulani. Whatever we shall later deliver is done in his honour,” he said.

Shehu Sani said the Nigerian Prisons had not witnessed any major change from what it was during the colonial rule, adding that both the inmates and staff had not well taken care of. 

 

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