The Jigawa State Council of the [Nigeria Union of Journalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_Union_of_Journalists) settled court‑ordered fines to secure the freedom of six prisoners held at the [Gumel Correctional Centre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumel), releasing them as part of the council’s inaugural Press Week celebrations.
**What led to the inmates' release?**
The six men – Musa Ilu (known as Gwaska), Umar Sani, Inusa Lawan, Hassan Shu’aibu, Nuhu Hassan and Suraja Tahir (also called Chanko) – remained incarcerated because they could not afford the monetary penalties that the courts had imposed as alternatives to further imprisonment. By paying these fines, the NUJ council eliminated the financial barrier that kept them behind bars.
**Key details of the intervention**
- Six individuals were freed after the union covered their fines.
- The action was announced in a joint statement signed by NUJ State Chairman Comrade Isma’il Ibrahim Dutse and Council Secretary Comrade Aminu Umar Shuwajo.
- The union described the move as a demonstration of its commitment to “giving back to society and supporting people facing difficult circumstances.”
- A representative quote from the statement read: “Our humanitarian services aim to assist vulnerable members of the community, especially during our maiden Press Week.”
**What else did the NUJ do during Press Week?**
In a related outreach, a NUJ delegation visited the [Dutse Correctional Centre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutse) where it donated essential supplies, including cartons of Maggi Star seasoning, May soap, Klin detergent and sanitary pads. The donation was presented by the council’s representative, who said the gesture formed part of the scheduled Press Week activities.
**How was the donation received?**
Officer‑in‑Charge CSC Muhammad Nazir thanked the journalists for their “humanitarian gesture,” noting that it was the first such initiative by media professionals in the state. He pledged continued cooperation with the union and urged other labour groups and organisations in Jigawa to follow the example.
The release and the donation underscore the NUJ council’s broader aim to position the press as a partner in societal development, especially for those facing economic hardship.