Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has ordered the immediate suspension of key officials at the Babbar Ruga Reformatory Centre following a harrowing incident of torture that resulted in the amputation of an inmate’s hand and severe injury to another.
The action follows the submission of a comprehensive report by a committee set up to investigate the case involving a young inmate, Usman Musa. The findings implicated several staff members in acts of gross misconduct and abuse of power.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, and conveyed through his Chief Press Secretary, Abdullahi Yar’adua, the state named those suspended as the Centre’s Principal, Abdulzahir Abubakar; the Vice Principal, Bala Abubakar; and a porter, Yunusa Yusuf.
“The state government considers this incident a grave violation of human rights and a betrayal of the trust placed in correctional officers,” the statement read.
Additionally, Governor Radda approved the immediate dismissal of a casual staff member, Murtala Suleiman, who was directly implicated in the physical abuse of the victim.
To support the rehabilitation of the affected inmate, the governor approved a total of ₦35.97 million — ₦970,000 for immediate medical care and ₦35 million for the purchase of a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand to aid his recovery and reintegration.
As part of broader reform efforts, the governor endorsed the full implementation of recommendations put forward by a special committee chaired by the Special Adviser on Public Administration and Service Reforms, Alhaji Usman Isiyaku. The committee has been tasked with overseeing a comprehensive upgrade of the reformatory centre to align with international standards and enforce humane correctional practices.
Governor Radda reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability and human rights protection within state-run institutions.
“We have zero tolerance for abuse in any government facility. These disciplinary actions are necessary to restore public trust and uphold the rule of law,” the governor stated.
