Christmas Freedom: Ebonyi First Lady Secures Release of 25 Inmates in Abakaliki
Nkechi Ewa
In the spirit of the season, the Wife of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has secured the release of 25 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakaliki, during her 2025 Yuletide prison outreach.
The inmates were freed after the First Lady paid the fines attached to their sentences through her BERWO Foundation, in partnership with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice.
The Controller of Correctional Service in the state, Mrs. Angela Chika Igwugwu, hailed the intervention as a powerful act of compassion, commending Mrs. Nwifuru for making the prison outreach a consistent annual gesture that gives inmates a second chance at life.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ben Odoh, said the initiative highlights the reality of custodial centre congestion in the state, noting that many inmates are held simply because they cannot afford court-imposed fines.
Mrs. Nwifuru described the moment as deeply symbolic, stressing that mistakes should not permanently define anyone. She said the outreach is built on the belief that correction must lead to restoration and hope.
She urged the released inmates to live responsibly and appealed to families and communities to support their reintegration, emphasizing that empowerment and acceptance are key to lasting transformation.
The exercise ended on an emotional note, with prayers and cheers as beneficiaries expressed gratitude for their freedom and renewed hope.
