On Friday night, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State suspended several key officials at the State Reformatory Centre, Babbar Ruga, following findings from a committee investigating allegations of inmate Usman Musa’s torture and mistreatment. This information was shared in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari. The Principal of the Centre, Abdulzahir Abubakar, Vice Principal Bala Abubakar, and porter Yunusa Yusuf were suspended due to their involvement in the incident that resulted in the amputation of the victim’s left hand and serious injury to the right hand. The statement, issued by Chief Press Secretary Abdullahi Yar’adua, emphasized the Katsina State Government’s dedication to human rights, accountability, and institutional reforms. Additionally, Governor Radda terminated the employment of Murtala Suleiman, a casual staff member associated with the case. In a gesture of support for the victim’s rehabilitation, the governor allocated N970,000 for medical expenses and N35 million for a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand to aid in his recovery. Furthermore, the governor endorsed the implementation of the committee’s suggestions to enhance the State Reformatory Centre in line with international best practices for correctional management and inmate welfare. The committee, led by Alhaji Usman Isiyaku, will oversee the execution of these approved measures to ensure compliance and promote long-term reforms at the facility.
