Katsina reformatory centre’s head, two others suspended over torture of inmate

A committee found the Katsina State Reformatory Centre officials culpable in an incident that led to the amputation of an inmate's left hand and severe injury to his right hand.

The head of the Katsina State Reformatory Centre, Babbar Ruga, and two other officials have been suspended over the alleged torture of an inmate identified as Usman Musa.

The suspensions, approved by Governor Dikko Radda on Friday night, came after a committee found the three officials culpable in an incident that led to the amputation of Mr Musa’s left hand and severe injury to his right hand.

A statement from the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, named the officials as Abdulzahir Abubakar, the principal of the centre; Bala Abubakar, the vice principal; and Yunusa Yusuf, a porter.

Similarly, Governor Radda ordered the immediate termination of the appointment of Murtala Suleiman, a casual staff member at the centre, for his involvement.

To support the victim’s rehabilitation, Governor Radda approved N970,000 for his medical bills and a further N35 million for the procurement of a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand to aid his recovery and reintegration into society.

The governor also accepted the recommendations of the investigating committee to upgrade the State Reformatory Centre to align with international best practices in correctional management and inmate welfare.

The committee, led by Usman Isiyaku, Special Adviser on Public Administration and Service Reforms, has been tasked to oversee the implementation of the approved measures to ensure strict compliance and long-term reform at the centre.