Daily Trust Foundation on Saturday paid the fines of Nine inmates from Keffi and Lafia Correctional Centres.
Speaking at the event to release the inmates on Saturday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Mr Theophilus Abba, Director of the foundation said the gesture was part of their corporate social responsibility to better the society.
He added that the foundation which is a subsidiary of Media Trust Limited, secured the release of the inmates to decongest the custodian centres.
He further said that they have paid N650, 000 cumulatively as fines to secure the release of the inmates that were sentenced for committing various offences.
He explained that the foundation before now had been providing food and other items to inmates in custodian centres across the country, but decided to pay fines for inmates this time around.
“This is giving back to the society with a view of improving it and averting dangers before they happen.
“Congestion of correctional facilities is a serious problem and if not check and address could lead to breakdown of law and order as well as jail break,” he added.
The Director also advised the former inmates not to commit any crime that could bring them back.
“Now that you all all have regained your freedom, put the skills they had learned into use to earn a living when they go to their various homes.
In his goodwill message, Mr Yunusa Ada, Controller of the Corrections in the state, applauded the foundation for the gesture and appealed to spirited individuals and groups to emulate them.
The controller who was represented by Mr Atangso Haruna, Assistant Controller, warned the released inmates to avoid being involved in any crime that might bring them back to the facility.
“I want to use this opportunity to admonish you to put into use the good behaviors and the skills you have learnt while in the custody,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the released inmates, Muazu Umar expressed gratitude to the foundation for the gesture and pledged not to commit any crime again. (NAN).