COVID-19: Shehu Sani advises FG to release prisoners

Former Senator for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has advised the Federal Government to release prisoners in order to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Nigeria, as of March 31 (8:26 pm), has recorded more than 100 cases of coronavirus with two deaths as reported by the NCDC.

As the country observes day one of the two-weeks curfew binding on Lagos, Abuja and Ogun States, reports of a prison riot in Kaduna State broke,

While Kaduna has recorded three out of the 139 coronavirus cases, the human rights activist feels that the best solution is to embark on mass prison release.

He said:

"I have said it a few days ago and I’m repeating it now; there’s the need for the FG to embark on a mass release of prisoners as part of the measures aimed at containing the spread of #Convid_19. Other countries have effectively implemented this step for their own good and safety."

This in response to Amnesty International's tweet about the unrest that reportedly occurred in a Kaduna prison which states:

"Unrest is ongoing now in Nigeria Correctional institution Kaduna over suspected cases of #COVID19.

Kaduna Prison:
Unrest is ongoing now in Nigera Correctional institution Kaduna over suspected cases of #COVID19.
Amnesty International was informed that armed security men are currenly inside the prison in a bid to quell the unrest. At least one prisoner was shot. #Nigeria

— Amnesty Int. Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) March 31, 2020

"Amnesty International was informed that armed security men are currently inside the prison in a bid to quell the unrest. At least one prisoner was shot.

"While we continue to monitor the situation, we urge the authorities to ensure that the national response to #COVID19 is as inclusive as possible."