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Gov Nwifuru’s wife releases 41 inmates in Ebonyi
By Agbo Amuche, Abakaliki
The wife of Ebonyi State Governor chief (Mrs) Mary Maudline Nwifuru has released over forty one male inmates after clearing their fines that worth millions of naira through her pet project, BERWO in Abakaliki correctional center as part of the activities marking 2024 Christmas celebration.
Recall that Mrs Nwifuru secured release of 53 inmates by December last year.
Speaking shortly after the release of the inmates, the Governor’s wife charged the inmates to repent from the crimes in which they were convicted in their own best interest.
Mrs Nwifuru enjoined the inmates to imbibe good morals and shun crime for the betterment of the society, adding that her pet project, BERWO is aimed at transforming lives and would continue to give hope to the hopeless in the State.
She maintained that her passion for assisting the vulnerable and underprivileged members of the society necessitated her visit to the facility.
According to her “This is the second time BERWO is giving such gesture to inmates in the state. We will continue to give hope to the hopeless,” She said.
Mrs Nwifuru donated undisclosed cash gift to the inmates and encouraged them to take advantage of the exercise and make a change as they reunite with their famillies members.
In his remarks, the honorable attorney general of the State and commissioner justice Barr. Ben Uruchi Odoh described the release of inmates by the Governor’s wife as welcome development as the Centre which was built to accommodate 387 inmates is currently housing a total of 1,265 inmates out of which 31 of them are females.
Odo said none of the 31 female inmates were among the released inmates by the wife of the governor because they were facing capital offences (murder).
He noted that if they are convicted, they would be transferred to Enugu maximum prison where those on death sentence are kept, awaiting execution.
“We have here in the Nigerian Correctional Service centre Abakaliki 1, 265 inmates. Out of that 1,265 inmates, 31 are female inmates and all the female inmates have offence attached to them.
“They are charged with capital offences, (murder) and the matter is still ongoing in court, they have not been sentenced. This is why all the people that their fines have been paid are all male.
The 31 female inmates that are here still have ongoing matters in court and because they still have ongoing matters in court , we can’t pay the fine of people that have not been sentenced by the court.
“31 of them are facing capital offences, 31 of them are murder. If they are convicted, the implication is that they will not be here. Anybody who is convicted of murder of capital offence, will be sent to Enugu maximum prison where people that are facing death sentence are kept”, Odo said.
The commissioner while apealing to the federal government to decongest the prison, commended the state government for justice delivery and transformation of lives.
In a vote of thanks, the officer in charge of the center, DCC Benedict Oyoko, applauded the governor’s wife for the visit and her kind gesture, describing it as the first of its kind.
Oyoko appealed to her to continue supporting the inmates through regular visits and donations.
“I want to appreciate your continued motherly love and care.
“We request your continuous partnership and support for inmates and staff of the center”
In their remarks, reverend Fr. Henry Ogodo and Pastor Amadi Nwokedi urged the freed inmates to be an ambassadors of peace and changed persons in the society.
One of the freed male inmates, Nwafor Emmanuel, said he has been in the prison since August last year and commended Mrs. Nwifuru for freeing him.
Another, Onyekachi Nwodom who said he was convicted for buying stolen phones commended the wife of the governor, Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru for facilitating his release from prison.
They duo pledged never to engaged in any activities that would lead them to prison again.
