The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, has secured the release of three inmates from the Oko Correctional Service in Benin City after paying their fines, in a humanitarian gesture to mark the new year.

The beneficiaries are Godspower Nathaniel from Nassarawa State, Francis Joshua from Ebonyi State, and Ikechukwu Udu from Imo State. The three had been arrested, investigated and charged to court for various criminal offences.

Upon conclusion of their trials, the court found them guilty and sentenced them to jail terms ranging from six months to one year, with an option of fine. However, their inability to pay the fines resulted in their continued incarceration despite having the opportunity to regain their freedom legally.

Relief came when Comrade Alenkhe, acting in what he described as the spirit of compassion and service to humanity, resolved to offset the fines of some inmates at the correctional facility. Following consultations, the Nigeria Correctional Service, Edo State Command, recommended the three inmates for consideration.

The fines were subsequently paid in full into government coffers, leading to the release of the inmates on Friday.

Speaking after regaining their freedom, the beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to the NUJ chairman, describing the intervention as life-changing and timely.

Responding, Comrade Festus Alenkhe said the gesture was motivated purely by love for humanity and the belief that no one should be denied freedom solely because of financial hardship.

He noted that although the beneficiaries are not indigenes of Edo State, compassion should not be limited by state boundaries, stressing that Nigeria remains one indivisible nation.

To further ease their reintegration, the NUJ chairman also provided the released inmates with cash support to enable them return safely to their respective states.

The intervention has drawn commendation from observers who see it as a practical demonstration of social responsibility and a reminder of the need for continued advocacy for justice, rehabilitation and humane treatment within the correctional system.