A non-governmental organization (NGO), Abu Mmaduaburochukwu Foundation, has paid fines to secure the release of ten indigent inmates from Awka and Onitsha Custodial Centres in Anambra State.

The founder of ABU Foundation, Chief Mmaduaburochukwu Attah, who spoke to journalists shortly after the release ceremony, said the gesture was part of the Foundation’s corporate social responsibility to better society.

He explained that the foundation secured the release of the inmates to decongest the custodial centres in the state.

Attah, who is also an estate developer and transporter, elaborated that the foundation paid thousands of naira to secure the release of the ten inmates sentenced for committing various offenses.

He maintained that the foundation had been providing food and other items for inmates in custodial centres across the state but decided to pay fines for inmates instead.

“This is giving back to society with a view to improving it and averting dangers before they happen. Congestion of correctional facilities is a serious problem and if not checked and addressed, it could lead to the breakdown of law and order as well as jailbreak,” he said.

The benefactor also advised the former inmates to desist from crime or any act that could bring them back to the facility.

“Now that you all have regained your freedom, put the skills you have learned into use to earn a living as you return to your various homes,” Chief Attah said.

In their separate remarks, the Deputy Controller of Onitsha Custodial Correctional Centre, Sunday Igwe, and his Awka counterpart, Solomon Ubah, applauded the founder for the gesture and urged spirited individuals and groups to emulate them.

They warned the released inmates against crime and urged them to behave well.

“We want to use this opportunity to admonish you to put into use the good behavior and the skills you have learned while in custody,” the officers stated.

In their joyous mood, the released inmates expressed gratitude to the foundation for the gesture and pledged to stay away from crime.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the freedom ceremony was held in the presence of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) officers, Nigeria Police delegates from Zone 13 Ukpo, led by its Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ihunwo Josephine, members of the press, and the management team of the Foundation at the NCS facilities in Awka and Onitsha respectively on Thursday, 2nd May 2024.