Katsina Governor Cracks Down on Abuse at Reform Centre

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has suspended several officials at the state-run Reformatory Centre in Babbar Ruga after a young inmate was allegedly tortured, leading to a life-altering injury.

The decision followed an official investigation into the troubling incident. The case involved Usman Musa, a detainee at the centre, who suffered the amputation of his left hand and severe damage to his right. The state government launched a probe after reports of mistreatment surfaced, prompting public concern over how young offenders are handled within government-run facilities.

The governor acted based on the findings of the committee set up to look into the matter. The investigation named the centre’s principal, Abdulzahir Abubakar; the vice principal, Bala Abubakar; and a porter, Yunusa Yusuf, among those responsible. All three have been suspended. A fourth individual, Murtala Suleiman, a casual staffer, has been dismissed entirely for his role in the incident.

The assault on the inmate sparked outrage and raised deeper questions about the safety and oversight of correctional institutions in the state. The governor responded by approving ₦970,000 for the victim’s medical expenses and another ₦35 million to purchase a sensor-enabled prosthetic hand. These funds are aimed at helping Musa begin his recovery and adjust to life after the traumatic injuries.

This move by the state government sends a message that such abuse will not be tolerated. The administration also announced a full upgrade of the reformatory centre to bring it in line with global standards for inmate welfare and correctional services.

The committee that handled the investigation, led by the governor’s Special Adviser on Public Administration and Service Reforms, Usman Isiyaku, has now been tasked with enforcing the reforms. They are expected to ensure all changes are implemented fully and monitored closely to prevent future abuse.

The state’s response is a clear effort to clean up the system and protect vulnerable individuals in its care, while holding public officers accountable for misconduct.