MULAN Kebbi Chapter Visits Birnin Kebbi Correctional Facility, Advocates for Good Character, Behavioral Change

By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi 

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State - The Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Kebbi Branch, paid a visit to the Birnin Kebbi Old Correctional Facility and Remand Home on Thursday, as part of their efforts to reach out to the inmates and preach good character, attitudes, and behaviors.

Led by the chairman, Barrister Ahmed Rufa'i Aminu, the delegation included other executive members of the association. According to Barrister Rufa'i, the visit was aimed at interfacing with the inmates and admonishing them with a preaching towards good character, attitudes, and behaviors within the societal living, but in an Islamic way of life.

"We are here to visit you as our fellow brothers," Barrister Rufa'i said, seeking the permission of the officer in charge of the facility. "We have some items to donate to the inmates, and we hope that our visit will be a source of inspiration and guidance for them."

Barrister Faruk Saidu Maigishiri, an executive member of MULAN, delivered a sermon to the inmates, drawing their attention to the importance of believing in the will of Allah, good character, attitudes, and conduct of good behaviors within our societal living.

Maigishiri quoted verses from the Holy Quran, including Surah Yusuf (12:92), Surah Yusuf (Chapter 12), and Surah Al-Qasas (28:16), to emphasize the importance of patience, forgiveness, honesty, and good character.

He narrated the story of Prophet Yusuf, who was sent to prison not because he was guilty, but because of the jealousy of his brothers. Despite being in prison, Prophet Yusuf continued to preach and impart Islamic knowledge.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barrister Lawal Hudu Garba, also emphasized the importance of good behavior after being freed. He added that the history of Prophet Yusuf and other prophets serves as a lesson to everyone.

"You were brought here not because you are disliked, but because it is a lesson and deterrence to others not to take the law into their hands," Barrister Garba said. "I want to assure you that my office will review the cases of those awaiting trial who have spent years without being tried, and we will put in more effort to ensure speedy trials for those whose cases have already commenced."

Barrister Garba also intimated that the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kebbi State, is collaborating with the Ministries of Works and Health under the Justice Reform Sector Initiative to construct additional accommodations, toilets, kitchens, and a dispensary/clinic at the facility.

The chairman of MULAN, Barrister Ahmed Rufa'i, presented items to the leadership of the facility for onward distribution to the inmates as a donation from the association.

The visit was seen as a positive step towards rehabilitating the inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society.