Forty inmates of the Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison regained their freedom on Wednesday after the wife of Borno governor, Mrs Kashim Shettima, paid about N600,000 fined them by the courts.

The convicts had the fine option or serve their jail terms.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the money was paid through her pet project- the Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya Children (SWOT).

Speaking at the event, the SWOT Secretary, Mallam Abdulsalam Mohammed, said that Shettima was deeply touched by the plight of the inmates.

“She was deeply touched by the plight of the inmates who are mostly young men.

“Hence, she decided to pay the fine option so that they can regain their freedom.”

Mohammed said the gesture was part of Nigeria’s 52 anniversary celebration.

He also presented 50 bags of 50 kg rice to other inmates as part of the celebration.

Mohammed said the foundation was established to provide support to the less privileged and vulnerable

members of the society.

Alhaji Yusuf Garba, the Deputy Controller of Prison in charge of the facility, thanked Shettima for the gesture and urged the freed inmates to be of good behaviour. (NAN)


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