By Simeon OSAJIE
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe on Friday secured the release of three inmates from the Oko Correctional Service, Benin, the state capital after paying their various fines.
Those that regained the freedom are Godspower Nathaniel, Francis Joshua and Ikechukwu Udu from Nassarawa, Ebonyi and Imo States respectively.
They were arrested, investigated and charged to court for various alleged criminal offences.
The court however found them guilty of the various charges and subsequently sentenced them to different jail term ranging from six months to one year, but with option of fine.
But their inability to pay the fine made them to continue with the prison terms.
Succor however came their way as the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe in the spirit of the New Year decided to pay the fines of some inmates in Correctional Centre to secure their release.
The approach led to the recommendation of these three inmates by the authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Edo State Command.
All the fines were paid into government coffer and the three inmates were released on Friday 9th January, 2026.
The beneficiaries thanked Comrade Festus Alenkhe for the kind gesture.
Responding, Comrade Festus Alenkhe said his kind gesture was borne out of love for humanity. He said all the three beneficiaries are not from Edo State but noting that Nigeria is one.
The three persons were also given cash to return to their various states of origin.