It was meant to be a punitive measure, but for 31 prisoners, it was for their good. They breathe the fresh air of freedom as former Kaduna Governor, Ramalan Yero, who spent a few nights with them in Prison paid their fines.
Yero and three others were granted bail by a Federal High Court yesterday.
Following the arraignment of the former governor and three others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 31 May 2018, he was remanded on the orders on the Federal High Court over charges related to the receipt of N750 million 2015 Presidential campaign funds.
According to a former commissioner, Aliyu Maikarfi, “Dr Mukhtar Ramalan Yero in his usual characteristic (manner) has settled the fines of thirty -one inmates serving various jail terms for different offenses at the Kaduna central prison.
“The gesture is in line with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad SAW especially during the holy month of Ramadan to assist the needy by providing succour to them.
“The 31 inmates were convicted with options of fines while others with both option of fine and compensation and because they could not pay, hence their conviction.
“His Excellency, Dr Mukhtar Ramalan Yero is a compassionate person with full milk of human kindness sees his remand at the Kaduna Central prison as reason to secure the liberty and freedom of 31 people already convicted.
“He admonished the inmates to be of good behaviour urging them to reflect on the good lessons they have learnt while in prison custody in order to become good citizens. The 31 in mates include women and men and from both faiths. “