The Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District Osita Izunaso has said his daughter influenced his decision to secure freedom for 17 prisoners in the state.
Izunaso, who spoke to journalists after the intervention, also said the action was in fulfilment of his personal covenant with God to extend kindness and relief to those in distress.
Speaking in Owerri, Izunaso explained that his second daughter, Cassy Izunaso, a legal practitioner, requested that he include charitable acts such as prison outreach and assistance to the needy in his 59th birthday celebration on October 30, 2025.
He said the bid to fulfil the promise to his daughter led him to reach out to legal practitioners, and he was able to facilitate the release of 17 convicted inmates from the Owerri Correctional Centre in Imo State.
“It is also part of our continuous commitment to supporting the less privileged and upholding the values of mercy and rehabilitation,” he added.
Recall that the senator, a long-time advocate for the disadvantaged, is also the founder of the Kpakpando Foundation, established over a decade ago.
The foundation had provided scholarships, supported skills acquisition programmes, and sponsored the welfare of persons living with disabilities.
The lawmaker had visited the Owerri Correctional Centre last week to meet the Controller, Mr. Mike Okorie.
The senator was accompanied by prominent personalities, including his traditional ruler, HRH Eze Victor Ogwurumba, among others.
Izunaso said he advised the freed inmates to embrace discipline, exhibit responsible behaviour, and make positive contributions to society as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
He said being in prison for some of the inmates was an opportunity for them to learn.
“Sometimes God allows it either to help them dodge worst things that would have happened to them in life,” he added.
The freed prisoners were said to have promised to be of good conduct, and would not do anything to make them return to incarceration.
Okorie commended the senator for touching people’s lives positively.
He said the fine options of the inmates, including two female inmates ranging from N1 million and below were paid by the senator to set them free.
Later taking to his Facebook account, the Senator wrote, “After I bailed 20 inmates that were found of good conduct and behaviour in the Imo State Correctional Service, the medical team Swift into action where test was run on over 200 inmates, and medications was given to them.
“We also handed over a good portion of medications to the Correctional Services medical department to continue the treatment of the inmates.
“We wish the freed inmates a better life in the society.”
