Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Radda,has approved the immediate suspension of key officials of the Katsina State Reformatory Centre, Babbar Ruga.
The action follows their involvement in the report of the committee mandated to investigate the alleged torture and mishandling of an inmate, Usman Musa.
A statement signed by Abdullahi Yar’Adua, the Chief Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government confirmed that the Principal of the Centre, Abdulzahir Abubakar, the Vice Principal, Bala Abubakar, and a porter, Yunusa Yusuf, have been suspended for their roles in the incident, which resulted in the amputation of the victim’s left hand and severe injury to the right hand.
According to the statement, the action underscored the Katsina State Government’s commitment to upholding human rights, enforcing accountability, and promoting reforms across all state institutions.
The statement said the Governor also ordered the immediate termination of the appointment of one Murtala Suleiman, a casual staff member of the centre, for his involvement in the matter.
Governor Radda approved the sum of ₦970,000 to cover the medical bills of the victim, as well ₦35 million for the procurement of a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand to assist in his recovery and reintegration.
He also approved the implemention of the committee’s recommendations to upgrade the State Reformatory Centre to meet international best practices in correctional management and inmate welfare.
The Committee, chaired by the Special Adviser on Public Administration and Service Reforms, Alhaji Usman Isiyaku, has further been mandated to oversee the implementation of all approved measures to ensure strict compliance and long-term reform at the centre.
