By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja
Six inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton Karfe, Kogi State, have completed the recitation and full memorisation of the Holy Qur’an as part of a rehabilitation programme at the facility.
The inmates, who were presented with certificates and copies of the Qur’an, reportedly undertook structured religious instruction and personal study, with some having little or no previous experience in Qur’anic studies before their incarceration.
The Controller of Corrections, Kogi State Command, Hadiza Inna Aminu, said the programme was designed to equip inmates with values that would support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society after release.
The achievement, according to the Service, is in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which places emphasis on the reformation, rehabilitation and social reintegration of inmates.
The Nigerian Correctional Service also partnered with the Koton Karfe Muslim Community to provide financial support to each of the six graduands to assist them after their release.
The Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Emmanuel Dangana, commended the State Command and religious leaders for supporting programmes aimed at the comprehensive development of inmates.
Ustaz Isah Usman, who represented the Council of Ulama, said the programme demonstrated the potential of targeted rehabilitation to transform the lives of inmates and pledged continued support from the council.
The Chairman of the organising committee, Superintendent of Corrections Mohammad Zaik, urged the graduands to sustain the values acquired through the programme and called on inmates to pray for peace and unity in the country.
He also appealed to host communities and other stakeholders to strengthen their partnership with the Correctional Service.
The event ended with special prayers for Kogi State, the Correctional Service and the country.