Feyisara Ogunbiyi
Ten inmates at the Ibara Correctional Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, regained their freedom after an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Mohammad Sanusi, popularly known as Ami Olorun, and his team paid their fines as part of a Ramadan humanitarian effort.
The beneficiaries, comprising nine men and one woman, were not selected based on religion, as both Muslims and Christians benefitted from the gesture.
Addressing the inmates, Sheiki Sanusi emphasized the importance of humanity over religious differences.
“Humanity comes first before religion,” he said.
In addition to securing their release, the cleric provided each freed inmate with ₦25,000 for transportation to their respective destinations.
He also announced additional financial support for prison officials and other inmates.
“Ten people under the supervision of our society will be free, and each of them will receive ₦25,000 as transportation fare. We have also arranged some token for the officers in charge of the prison,” he stated.
He further disclosed that ₦50,000 would be given to the chaplain of the inmates, while another ₦100,000 was set aside to provide medicine for sick inmates.
“We would have bought the medicine, but we are trying to play safe too,” he added.
Encouraging the inmates, Sheiki Sanusi urged them to maintain good character and remain steadfast in their faith.
“There is no difference between us, the only thing is that we have freedom, and you don’t. But I know you will get yours soon.
“ Just continue in your fellowship with God—both Muslims and Christians. Imbibe good character, don’t fight here. You can establish a very beautiful family even within this place,” he said.
He also revealed that his team had arranged relief materials to support Muslim inmates observing the ongoing Ramadan fast.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Controller of Ibara Correctional Centre, O.R. Sanni, appealed to the cleric and his team for assistance in fixing the prison’s vehicle.
“The state of our tyres is in a sorry state. We are using this medium to solicit your support, as Ibara Correctional Centre covers 20 courts, and we need this vehicle to convey inmates to get their freedom,” Sanni said.
The Controller of the facility, Adesina Abioye, cautioned the freed inmates against any actions that could lead them back to prison.
“I wouldn’t want to see you here again,” he warned.
He also expressed gratitude to Sheiki Sanusi for his benevolence, recalling that his last intervention at the prison was six years ago.
“I appreciate the fact that you love both the Christian and Muslim inmates,” Abioye added.
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