No fewer than 25 indigent inmates have regained their freedom from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, following the payment of ₦20.041 million in fines facilitated by the wife of the state governor, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru.

The beneficiaries, made up of 24 men and one woman, were serving sentences with an option of fine. Twenty-three of them were inmates of the Abakaliki custodial centre, while two were released from the Afikpo facility.

Confirming the development, the Officer in Charge of the centre, Deputy Comptroller Oyoko Angela Chima Igwugwu, said the intervention was part of an ongoing humanitarian initiative by the First Lady. She disclosed that Mrs Nwifuru had previously sponsored the release of 53 inmates in 2023 and 41 in 2024, in addition to providing meals and transportation support for freed inmates.

Speaking at the release ceremony, Mrs Nwifuru commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for its efforts in rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into society. She said the initiative aligns with Governor Francis Nwifuru’s “Charter of People’s Needs” and the objectives of her foundation, Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation (BEWO), which focuses on supporting vulnerable groups.

She urged the freed inmates to turn a new leaf and live law-abiding lives, while also appreciating correctional officers for their commitment and humane treatment of inmates.

The Ebonyi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Ben Odo, praised the First Lady’s intervention, noting that the Abakaliki custodial centre is severely overcrowded, housing 1,018 inmates despite a designed capacity of 387.

One of the released inmates, Obinna Ogbu, expressed gratitude to Mrs Nwifuru for securing their freedom and pledged to embrace a reformed lifestyle. He also commended the correctional officers for their support during his time in custody.

The gesture highlights the Ebonyi State Government’s emphasis on social welfare, rehabilitation and compassionate governance, particularly during the festive season.