Edo NUJ chairman, Alenkhe secures release of 3 inmates from Correctional Centre

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, has secured the release of three inmates from the Oko Correctional Centre in Benin City.

NEWS9JA reports that the chairman secured the release of the inmates after the payment of fines imposed on them by the courts.

The three inmates are Godspower Nathaniel from Nassarawa, Francis Joshua from Ebonyi and Ikechukwu Udu from Imo State.

The trio were sentenced to jail terms of between six months and one year for various criminal offences in December 2025, but with the option of fines.

Succour, however, came to the inmates, as the NUJ chairman paid the various fines that they were unable to pay, which had made them continue with the prison terms.

Speaking on the gesture, Comrade Festus Alenkhe said the inmates who are not from Edo State were arrested,  investigated and charged to court for various criminal offences.

Alenkhe said they were, however, sentenced to various jail terms between six months and one year, with the option of fines in December 2025.

He said in the spirit of the New Year, he decided to pay the fines of some inmates in the Correctional Centre to effect their release, adding that the fines were paid into the government coffers.

He said it was also part of community engagement to make life more meaningful to the less privileged and vulnerable members of society.

The Edo NUJ chairman said he contacted the authorities of the State Command of Correctional Centre on his decision to secure the release of some inmates, adding that through the Command’s recommendations, the three inmates were chosen to be the lucky beneficiaries.

“This gesture was borne out of my love for humanity. The three beneficiaries are not from Edo state. This is a testament and demonstration that Nigeria is one and indivisible country,” he said.

The beneficiaries thanked Comrade Alenkhe for coming to their rescue, assuring that by the gesture, they would stay away from crimes and be good citizens.

NEWS9JA reports that the gesture underscores the need for governments, well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations, among others, as part of welfare programmes and corporate social responsibility to invest in the decongestion of correctional centres by securing the release of inmates with option of fines.