By Balarabe Oshiafi
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, in collaboration with Legal Assistance and Citizens Rights Initiative (LACRI), has successfully facilitated the release of seven inmates from the Auchi Medium Security Correctional Centre.
A news release made available to ExpressDay on Monday in Auch, Edo State avered that the intervention was based on humanitarian grounds.
The inmates were released with the support of six NAS chapters: Arabella Deck – Benin Metropolis 2, Benbow Deck – Benin Metropolis, Hybrid Deck – Edo North, Americana 1 Deck – Houston Texas USA, Longhorn Deck – Dallas Texas USA, and Atlantis Deck – Atlanta Georgia USA.
According to Dirisu Odion, NAS Regional Vice President, Region 3 (Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo), the release was part of the organisations humanitarian efforts.
“We identified ten inmates who couldn’t afford to pay their fines.
“With LACRI’s collaboration, we raised funds to secure the release of seven inmates today” Odion said.
Hybrid Deck Capoon, Christopher Ikponwonsa, emphasised the organization’s commitment to humanistic services for the less privileged.
Both Odion and Ikponwonsa advised the released inmates to refrain from future crimes.
Barrister Mahmud Garuba of LACRI highlighted the organization’s free legal services for those charged with criminal offences.
“We focus on assisting those convicted with minimal fines and have spent time in prison.” Garuba said.
He urges other NGOs to support their efforts in releasing prisoners.
The released inmates expressed gratitude to NAS and LACRI.
Onaivi Adeche, who was convicted for two years with an option of fine, said, “God will bless these associations for helping me in my time of need”.
