Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has suspended top officials of the Babbar Ruga Reformatory Centre following confirmed cases of inmate torture that led to the amputation of a detainee’s left hand and severe injury to his right hand.
In a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government Abdullahi Faskari, the state government announced the immediate suspension of the centre’s Principal, Abdulzahir Abubakar; Vice Principal, Bala Abubakar; and a porter, Yunusa Yusuf. The appointment of a casual staff member, Murtala Suleiman, was also terminated for his involvement in the incident.
The decision followed the findings of a committee set up to investigate allegations of abuse at the facility. The Governor’s action reaffirmed the state’s zero-tolerance policy for human rights violations and its commitment to institutional accountability.
In a move to support the victim, Usman Musa, Governor Radda approved ₦970,000 for his medical treatment and an additional ₦35 million for the procurement of a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand to aid his rehabilitation.
The Governor also directed the implementation of reforms to upgrade the facility to meet global correctional standards. A committee chaired by Alhaji Usman Isiyaku, Special Adviser on Public Administration and Service Reforms, has been tasked with overseeing the transformation process to ensure compliance and sustainable improvements in inmate welfare.
The measures underscore the state government’s resolve to enforce discipline in public institutions while ensuring justice and care for victims of abuse.
