By Unini Chioma
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has expressed optimism that the former “kidnap kingpin”, Hamisu Bala, popularly known as Wadume, will not return to his criminal past after being released from the Kuje custodial facility.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has expressed optimism that the former “kidnap kingpin”, Hamisu Bala, popularly known as Wadume, will not return to his criminal past after being released from the Kuje custodial facility.
According to the NCoS spokesperson, ACC Umar Abubakar, Wadume was freed after completing his 7-year jail term, which ran concurrently from the time of his arrest and prosecution in August 2019.
Abubakar explained that the Service had no reason to hold Wadume beyond his sentence, and that he had benefited from the “remission of sentence” policy, which allows for a reduction of one-third of an inmate’s sentence due to good conduct while in custody. This policy is part of the NCoS’s reformation efforts to encourage positive change in offenders.
When asked if the Service was concerned about Wadume potentially returning to his criminal activities, Abubakar stated, “We don’t want to think that (he will ever go back to his past).” The spokesperson emphasized that the remission of sentence is a standard practice aimed at promoting good behavior and reformation among inmates in NCoS custodial centers.
The release of Wadume, who gained notoriety as a kidnapping kingpin, has drawn attention to the effectiveness of the Nigerian correctional system in rehabilitating offenders and preventing recidivism. The NCoS remains hopeful that through their reformation efforts, individuals like Wadume will successfully reintegrate into society and lead law-abiding lives upon release.
