Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has secured the release of 21 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Zaria, Kaduna State, after paying N17.506 million to settle fines and other court-imposed financial obligations.
The intervention, carried out on Friday, June 12, 2026, formed part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day.
Abbas said most of the beneficiaries were serving sentences for minor offences but remained in custody due to their inability to pay fines, some of which were below N100,000.
He said it was troubling that people continued to languish in detention over relatively small financial penalties.
READ ALSO:Â FG Panel Uncovers Prison Hunger Crisis, Feeding Fraud, Seeks N3,000 Allowance
The Speaker said he chose to mark Democracy Day at the facility to assess conditions firsthand and review the welfare of inmates and staff.
He commended the management of the centre for maintaining order and cleanliness despite operational challenges, noting improvements in the facility’s environment and staff morale.
Abbas said findings from the visit would be submitted to the National Assembly to guide future interventions through oversight and budgetary support.
He identified the clinic, school and vocational training centre as key areas requiring urgent attention, describing the clinic as particularly in need of rehabilitation to improve healthcare delivery for inmates.
The release brings relief to inmates detained solely due to their inability to meet financial conditions attached to their sentences.