The Chairman of the Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has made a substantial donation of N10 million to the Nigeria Correctional Services with the aim of securing the release of at least 100 inmates by offsetting their fines. The announcement of this philanthropic gesture was made by the lawmaker during his visit to the Goron Dutse Correctional Facility on Wednesday.
Representing the Doguwa/Tudunwada federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, accompanied by Ahmad Aruwa, the publicity secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, and other party leaders, also extended his generosity by donating essential items to the facility. These included 10 bags of rice, two cows, and other provisions, marking a significant contribution to the correctional facility’s resources.
The decision to support the correctional facility comes from a personal connection as Doguwa himself had experienced a brief period of incarceration at the same Goron Dutse Correctional Facility. His arrest was related to allegations of arson and murder following the 2023 general elections, charges that the court later deemed unjust and dropped.
During his visit, Doguwa emphasized that the funds would specifically benefit inmates facing minor charges who had already received judgments but remained in custody due to their inability to pay the fines associated with their sentences. The lawmaker expressed empathy for those unjustly detained and highlighted the critical importance of supporting individuals in such situations.
Recalling his own experience, Doguwa acknowledged that the court had acknowledged the trumped-up nature of the charges against him. He apologized to the correctional facility staff for not visiting earlier, citing personal challenges and tests he has been undergoing.
“I am proud to say that I am one of the people who were tested by God to enter a place that even some of his prophets once entered. And from that day I entered and exited this place, there is no day I don’t remember the critical life, trauma, and affliction people living here are undergoing as I once passed through it,” he said.
In response, the Chief Administrative Officer of the correctional facility, DC Abdullahi Ibrahim, expressed gratitude for Doguwa’s generous donation. He also appealed for additional assistance in the form of equipment that could aid the rehabilitation of inmates, such as sewing machines and computers. The donation and visit align with Doguwa’s broader efforts to support local institutions and communities within his federal constituency.
