13 inmates regain freedom through SOOF intervention

Thirteen young men are set to regain their freedom on Monday from the New Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre, following a strategic intervention by the Sunday and Omoikhere Orianran Foundation (SOOF).

The release was secured after the foundation paid court-ordered fines and compensation for the inmates to commemorate the birthday of its founder, Rose Orianran-Anthony, on 1 May.

New Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre Officer-in-Charge Samaila Bulus, a Chief Superintendent of Corrections, commended the foundation’s role. He noted that such partnerships are vital as the Nigerian Correctional Service pivots toward a “more corrective mechanism”.

Bulus praised the inmates for their “good conduct” and emphasised that the centre now focuses on mentorship, training, and academic partnerships with the National Open University. Addressing the departing men over the weekend, he urged them to be “good citizens” and acknowledged that the foundation’s kindness significantly eased the administrative burden on the facility.

Reflecting on the motivation behind the outreach, Rose Orianran-Anthony—who also serves as the Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—stated that the gesture was rooted in the traditional Nigerian spirit of being “one’s brother’s keeper”.

“This is a place not many people remember,” she remarked. “Over the years we go to orphanages and widows, but these inmates are part of our society. If we do not correct them and help them, they will keep going round in circles.” She stressed that the government cannot handle the burden of rehabilitation alone and called on other “good-spirited individuals” to support such facilities.

Orianran-Anthony made it clear that the foundation’s involvement does not end at the prison gates. A detailed post-release plan has been established to ensure the 13 men successfully transition back into society, focusing on three core areas:

Monitoring and Tracking: The foundation will track the men to ensure they remain on a positive path. Family Reunification: Recognising that some families have “forgotten” relatives in custody, SOOF will provide therapy and interventions to help reunite them with their loved ones. And Economic Support: For those who acquired skills during their time in the centre, the foundation will provide seed funding to set up trades and lead meaningful lives.

The outreach included a significant donation of essential items, including food, clothing, toiletries, and medical supplies. Foundation medical doctor Charles Ojeabuo delivered a health talk to the inmates, urging them to prioritise personal hygiene and hand washing. The medical team also provided critical medications, including antibiotics and anti-malarial drugs, to the centre’s clinic.

Foundation board member Peter Orianran added that the organisation remains dedicated to ensuring beneficiaries become responsible citizens. He commended Chief Superintendent Bulus for his professionalism and for maintaining a facility that allows for such transformative interventions. As the 13 men prepare for their release, Orianran-Anthony concluded that their lives should serve as “testimonies to those still there,” proving it is possible to impact society positively.