The Spokesman of Nigeria correctional service. Mr Musbahu Kofar Nassarawa has disclosed that one, Rahma Hussein, a child bride found ‘liable’ for killing her husband seven years ago has finally regained her freedom.
Mr Kofar Nassarawa told reporters on Saturday that her release was “based on the recommendation from the officials of the correctional centre who attested to her good behavior and industry.
According to him, the committee also advised the governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who holds the power of prerogative of mercy on her judgement, to consider the circumstances that led her to commit the offence and grant her pardon.
Mr Kofar Nasarawa said the governor obliged to the advice and granted her pardon.
The committee, led by Justice Ishaq Bello, also facilitated the release of 30 other inmates from various custodial centres in the state.
Kofar-Nassarawa added that the committee had also paid fines of inmates with options of fine, settled compensations, and released those who are in critical health conditions as well as the elderly.
Recalled that Hussein, who was jailed at age 16, was freed by the Committee on Prison Reforms and Decongestion.
Rahama had in 2014, was arrested and charged to a high court in Kano for stabbing her husband to death a day after their wedding.
Delivering the judgement in 2018, Justice R. A. Sadik ordered that Ms Hussein be “detained at the pleasure of the governor of the state” because she was forcefully married and committed the offence at the age of 16.
The committee, in its ongoing tour to decongest prisons, found Ms Hussein worthy of benefiting from the presidential pardon.
Speaking in tears after her pardon, Ms Hussein, thanked the committee, the state Governor Mr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and officials of the correctional centre for facilitating her freedom.
“I’m grateful to this committee. May Allah bless you. The officials of the correctional centres, who recommended me to be beneficiary of this gesture, may Allah reward you abundantly.
“I’m also grateful to Governor Ganduje for his mercy on me. I’m very happy today”.
