Decongestion: NCoS urged to ease process of securing release of inmates
The Managing Director of the Sokoto State Media Corporation (SSMC), Alhaji Labaran Lumo Dundaye, has urged the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to simplify procedures for the release of deserving inmates
The Managing Director of the Sokoto State Media Corporation (SSMC), Alhaji Labaran Lumo Dundaye, has urged the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to simplify procedures for the release of deserving inmates as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities.
Dundaye made the appeal on Monday during a press briefing on the activities marking the corporation’s 47th anniversary in Sokoto. He explained that one of the key humanitarian initiatives of the celebration was the effort to secure the release of 20 inmates from the correctional facility in the state.
According to him, the exercise encountered administrative challenges that prevented the intended beneficiaries from regaining their freedom.
Advertisement
300x250
He noted that the corporation had identified 20 inmates, including four women, who were being held for failing to meet the option of a N50,000 fine.
He said the corporation offered to pay the fines on their behalf, but alleged that the correctional authorities declined the offer. Dundaye, a former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state, disclosed that a formal complaint had been lodged with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Sokoto, requesting intervention and investigation into the matter.
The managing director also used the briefing to outline major developments within the corporation. He said SSMC had undergone a significant upgrade with the installation of a modern digital facility in its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department.
According to him, the project, valued at over N1 billion, is designed to expand the coverage and transmission capacity of the corporation’s three broadcast arms—Rima Television, Rima Radio, and the FM stations.
He added that the corporation had also acquired five additional operational vehicles to improve logistics and field operations.
Advertisement
300x250
Dundaye said he met a struggling organisation with outdated equipment when he assumed office, but expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for what he described as a timely and decisive intervention that revived the corporation.
He noted that the support from the state government had enabled SSMC to regain operational strength and compete effectively with other broadcast organisations.
He further stated that activities marking the anniversary included award presentations, a visit to the state orphanage where food items and clothing were donated, a novelty football match, and a comedy performance by a teenage entertainer, Abdulrahman Mu’azu, popularly known as “Super.”