An inmate at the Ilesa Custodial Centre in Osun State has appealed to Nigerians to avoid criminal activities that could lead them to prison. The plea was made by the Chief Imam of the facility during a visit by the Daaru-r-Rahmat Society of Nigeria, which was marking its 15th anniversary.
Having spent 13 years behind bars, the Chief Imam reflected on his past actions, explaining that he never fully understood the consequences of his crime until he was arrested for robbing a hostel. Describing prison as a “graveyard of the living,” he urged Nigerians to live with contentment and avoid resorting to crime out of frustration or need.
He shared that some inmates were in prison due to a lack of legal representation, poverty, or inability to pay fines, while others were driven to theft by hunger. The Chief Imam also highlighted the importance of repentance, noting that many inmates had recognized their mistakes and were determined to reform. He urged the public to understand that not all prisoners are “the worst human beings,” as some, like himself, had repented and reformed during their time in custody.
Accompanied by members of the Islamic group, Imam Muali Olawale, the Ameer of Darmat, visited the custodial centre to donate food and clothing to the inmates. He encouraged them to use their time in prison to renew their faith, learn new skills, and maintain hope for a better future, reinforcing that their time in custody is not the end but an opportunity for self-improvement. He urged the inmates to maintain good conduct and stay hopeful for their eventual release, emphasizing that their destiny still holds promise.
Peoplesmind
