Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has ordered the suspension of key personnel at the Babbar Ruga Reformatory Centre following disturbing revelations of torture and abuse that led to the amputation of an inmate’s hand.
The action, confirmed in a statement released on Saturday through the office of the Secretary to the State Government comes after a committee set up to probe the allegations submitted its findings.
Signed by the Director of Press to the SSG, Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu-Yar’adua, the statement revealed that the Principal of the Centre, Abdulzahir Abubakar; the Vice Principal, Bala Abubakar; and a porter, Yunusa Yusuf, were suspended over their alleged involvement in the mistreatment of the inmate identified as Usman Musa.
According to the report, the brutal assault resulted in the amputation of Musa’s left hand and inflicted serious injuries on his right hand.
Governor Radda described the incident as “deeply unacceptable” and emphasized that the state government would not tolerate any form of abuse within its institutions.
“This administration is committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every citizen, especially those in correctional facilities. We will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who undermines this commitment,” the governor stated.
In addition to the suspensions, a casual staff member, Murtala Suleiman, was relieved of his appointment for his role in the incident.
To aid the victim’s recovery, the governor approved ₦970,000 for medical expenses and ₦35 million for the procurement of a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand.
“This gesture is not only aimed at supporting Usman Musa’s recovery but also serves as a clear message that justice will be served,” the statement added.
Governor Radda also approved the recommendation to upgrade the reformatory centre to align with international standards for correctional facilities and inmate welfare.
The implementation of the approved reforms will be overseen by a committee chaired by his Special Adviser on Public Administration and Service Reforms, Alhaji Usman Isiyaku.
“The government is taking concrete steps to ensure that such human rights violations do not occur again,” the SSG noted, stressing that reforms will be monitored for full compliance and sustainability.