Thirteen inmates at the New Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre in Nasarawa State have regained their freedom following the intervention of the Sunday and Omoikhere Orianran Foundation (SOOF), which paid their court-imposed fines and compensation.

The beneficiaries, described as young men, were released as part of activities marking the May 1 birthday of the foundation’s founder, Dr. Rose Orianran-Anthony.

Officials of the custodial centre commended the initiative, noting that such partnerships are critical to ongoing reforms within the Nigerian Correctional Service aimed at strengthening rehabilitation and reintegration.

The Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Samaila Bulus, said the gesture not only facilitated the inmates’ release but also underscored the importance of collaboration between public institutions and private organisations in advancing a more corrective justice system.

He urged the freed inmates to embrace a new path and contribute meaningfully to society, adding that their conduct while in custody made them deserving of the opportunity.

Speaking on the intervention, Orianran-Anthony said the foundation’s action was driven by a sense of social responsibility and the need to extend compassion to often-overlooked members of society.

Orianran-Anthony, who also serves as the Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stated that the gesture was rooted in the traditional Nigerian spirit of being “one’s brother’s keeper.”

According to her, while many interventions typically focus on orphanages and vulnerable groups, inmates also require support to break the cycle of reoffending.

She stressed that government alone cannot shoulder the burden of rehabilitation, calling on well-meaning Nigerians to support correctional centres through similar initiatives.

Beyond securing their release, the foundation disclosed plans to support the reintegration of the former inmates into society through structured follow-up programmes.

These include monitoring their progress, facilitating reconciliation with their families, and providing financial assistance to help them establish small businesses or trades.

In addition, the outreach featured the donation of food items, clothing, toiletries, and medical supplies to inmates still in custody.

A medical team affiliated with the foundation also conducted a health sensitisation session, emphasising hygiene and disease prevention, while supplying essential drugs to the facility’s clinic.

A board member of the foundation, Dr. Peter Orianran, reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible citizenship among beneficiaries, noting that the intervention was designed not just to secure release, but to create lasting positive change.

He commended Chief Superintendent Bulus for his “professionalism” and for maintaining a facility that allows for such transformative interventions.

He expressed hope that the freed inmates would serve as examples of rehabilitation and inspire others within the correctional system to pursue a better path.