The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, has secured the release of three inmates from the Oko Correctional Centre in Benin City. The release followed the payment of fines imposed on the inmates by the courts, which they had been unable to pay.
The beneficiaries are Godspower Nathaniel from Nassarawa, Francis Joshua from Ebonyi, and Ikechukwu Udu from Imo State. They were sentenced in December 2025 to jail terms ranging from six months to one year for various criminal offences, with the option of fines.
Alenkhe explained that the gesture was made in the spirit of the New Year and as part of community engagement to support less privileged and vulnerable members of society. The fines were paid into government coffers, enabling the immediate release of the inmates.
The NUJ chairman emphasized that the gesture was motivated by love for humanity and the principle of national unity, noting that the beneficiaries were not from Edo State. He also credited the Correctional Centre authorities for recommending the inmates who would benefit from the intervention.
The released inmates expressed gratitude to Alenkhe, pledging to stay away from crime and become responsible citizens. The action highlights the role of well-meaning individuals, governments, and organizations in decongesting correctional facilities and supporting social welfare initiatives.
