Torture allegation: Katsina Gov, Radda suspends reformatory officials

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State on Friday night suspended key officials of the State Reformatory Centre, Babbar Ruga, after the report of the committee mandated to investigate the allegations of torture and mishandling of an inmate, Usman Musa.

This was contained in a statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari.

The statement confirmed that the Principal of the Centre, Abdulzahir Abubakar, the Vice Principal, Bala Abubakar, and a porter, Yunusa Yusuf, have been suspended for their roles in the incident, which led to the amputation of the victim’s left hand and severe injury to the right hand.

According to the statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Yar’adua, the decisive action underscored the Katsina State Government’s commitment to upholding human rights, enforcing accountability, and promoting reforms across all state institutions.

In addition, the Governor, ordered the immediate termination of the appointment of one Murtala Suleiman, a casual staff member of the centre, for his involvement in the matter.

The Governor, in a compassionate move towards the rehabilitation of the victim, approved N970,000 to cover medical bills of the victim, as well as N35 million for the procurement of a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand to assist in his recovery and reintegration.

In the same vein, the governor approved implementing a committee’s recommendations to upgrade the State Reformatory Centre to meet international best practices in correctional management and inmate welfare.

The Committee, which is chaired by the Special Adviser on Public Administration and Service Reforms, Alhaji Usman Isiyaku, has also been directed to spearhead the implementation of all approved measures to ensure strict compliance and long-term reform at the centre.

Torture allegation: Katsina Gov, Radda suspends reformatory officials