A butcher in Adamawa State, Umaru Usman from Shelleng Local Government Area, has been released from prison after serving part of a 17-year sentence issued over a N150,000 debt.
Reports of his release was seen making the rounds online.
Cause of Usman’s conviction
Usman was convicted by the Shelleng Area Court for breach of trust and cheating and had been held at the Numan Correctional Centre until a special review panel stepped in.
His freedom came after the Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee, led by the state Chief Judge, Justice Hapsat Abdulrahman, visited the facility as part of an ongoing effort to ease congestion and reassess questionable or excessive convictions.
Committee orders his release
Following a review of his case, the committee ordered his release while instructing him to repay the remaining N150,000 owed to the creditor.
While addressing the committee, Usman explained that he bought rams on credit for his butchery business, with an agreement to settle the bill after sales. Although he paid part of the debt, he was unable to complete the payment, which resulted in his arrest and lengthy sentence.
Relieved to regain his freedom, Usman joined other inmates whose cases are being reconsidered as the committee continues its intervention across correctional centres.
