Foundation secures release of 40 inmates in Kogi

The Chief Justice of the Kogi State High Court, Hon. Justice Josiah Joe Majebi, and lawmaker for Idah Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Halidu Adejoh Usman, have commended the Victory Idewele Foundation for paying court fines for about 40 inmates in Kogi correctional centres.

The Victory Idewele Foundation (VIF), a non-governmental organisation, donated ₦10 million on Monday to cover court fines for about 40 eligible inmates.

Speaking at the visits to the Koto-Karfe, Kabba, and Ankpa Correctional Centres in Kogi State,

Justice Josiah Joe Majebi said: “We have a very important visitor from the Victory Idewele Foundation in our midst. They are here to help inmates who could not pay their options of fine.

“In view of that fine, we discovered that we are having not less than about 30 or 40, and we put the total sum of fines together, amounting to about ₦10 million.

“The Victory Idewele Foundation has paid this sum into the judiciary’s account to secure their release to enable these inmates to go back home. This gesture is a significant step towards justice and rehabilitation.”

Reacting to the visit, the founder, Innocent Idewele, issued a statement emphasizing the need for nationwide rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

He highlighted the group’s mission to bring hope and empowerment to those behind bars.

He noted that the foundation aims to give inmates a second chance by facilitating their release and reintegration into society.

He explained that the foundation focuses on empowerment, education, health, and development which will continue to make an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.

“We are committed to providing them with accommodation, feeding, and training, leading to start-up capital for their chosen trades. This will help them achieve self-reliance and contribute positively to society.”

He noted that in 2024, the foundation launched a project to rehabilitate inmates detained for bailable offences.

“This initiative aligns with its core objectives of empowerment, education, health, and development,” he said.

Responding to this gesture, the chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters and Member representing Idah Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Halidu Adejoh Usman, also expressed gratitude for the initiative.

“We appreciate your efforts my Lord and the Victory Idewele Foundation. It has been a smooth collaboration, and the impact of this visit will resonate far beyond today.”