Yahaya Idris in Asaba
Fifteen inmates of the Warri Correctional Centre have regained their freedom following an intervention by the suspended Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, in partnership with non-governmental organisation, FOOSTODEY.
The humanitarian intervention, carried out through FOOSTODEY’s “UKODO NA TẸVWẸ” welfare initiative, involved the payment of court-imposed fines running into millions of naira for inmates who had been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment with options of fines.
The beneficiaries, drawn from different local government areas of Delta State, were released on Monday, August 24, 2026, after the necessary payments and correctional and administrative procedures had been completed.
Izeze Discovers Inmates Unable to Pay Fines
Izeze, who reportedly spent some days at the correctional centre, encountered more than 20 inmates whose continued detention was linked to their inability to pay fines imposed by the courts.
During his interaction with the inmates, he discovered that some had been sentenced with options of fines but lacked the financial capacity to raise the required amounts for their release.
Moved by their circumstances, Izeze drew the attention of FOOSTODEY to their plight, prompting the organisation to intervene by settling the outstanding court-imposed fines.
The intervention ultimately facilitated the release of 15 inmates.
FOOSTODEY: Intervention Restores Hope and Dignity
Speaking after the beneficiaries regained their freedom, Tisha Ejekanshe Matthew, ACA, Special Assistant on Community Relations, said the intervention was about more than settling financial obligations.
Matthew, who spoke on behalf of FOOSTODEY and Izeze, said the initiative was designed to restore hope, dignity and the opportunity for the beneficiaries to reconnect with their families.
According to him, targeted humanitarian interventions could make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable people, particularly those whose continued detention was linked to their inability to meet financial obligations imposed by the courts.
He said the beneficiaries had been given a second chance to rebuild their lives, reunite with their loved ones and make positive contributions to their communities
Released Inmates Express Gratitude
The released inmates expressed appreciation to FOOSTODEY and Izeze for the intervention, describing their freedom as an opportunity to reunite with their families and begin a new chapter in their lives.
They also commended Izeze for drawing attention to their circumstances and expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for what they described as its people-oriented disposition and concern for citizens’ welfare.
The beneficiaries said their experience in custody had provided them with ample opportunity to reflect on their actions and the consequences of wrong choices.
They pledged to remain law-abiding and responsible members of society, promising to use the opportunity provided by their release to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Transport Support for Beneficiaries
The humanitarian gesture was extended beyond securing the inmates’ freedom.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Mass Mobilisation, Pastor Vincent Udume Odogbor, provided transport logistics for the released beneficiaries to enable them to return safely to their respective communities.
The gesture ensured that the beneficiaries were not left stranded after their release and could reconnect with their families following the completion of the necessary legal and administrative processes.
A Second Chance for 15 Warri Inmates
For the beneficiaries and their families, the intervention brought considerable relief after a difficult period behind the walls of the correctional facility.
The development also highlights the potential impact of collaboration between individuals, civil-society organisations and other stakeholders in providing practical humanitarian assistance to vulnerable members of society.
Through its “UKODO NA TẸVWẸ” initiative, FOOSTODEY has provided 15 inmates with an opportunity to regain their freedom, reunite with their families and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
For the beneficiaries, Monday’s release marked the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of another, accompanied by a renewed commitment to responsible living, productivity and obedience to the law.