In a powerful act of compassion, Niger State Chief Judge Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik has adopted a teenage inmate, Gabriel Sillas, pledging to fund his education all the way to university.
The decision came during her routine visit to correctional centres across the state, where she reviews cases and promotes decongestion. Officials described Sillas, held at the Minna Correctional Centre, as disciplined and well-behaved — qualities that caught the judge’s attention.
“The situation that brought him here could have been avoided with proper guidance,” she said. “I see talent in him. I cannot allow him to waste his life at this age.”
Sillas had been serving a three-year sentence for offences including trespass and theft. In a further show of mercy, the Chief Judge granted a pardon to his co-inmate, Isah Tanimu, and pledged support toward his fine.
She also donated ₦500,000 to the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre to strengthen its skills acquisition programme, reinforcing a message of rehabilitation over punishment.
The gesture underscores a growing push for correctional reform and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.
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