The Kano State Government says it will relocate all inmates from the colonial-era Kurmawa Correctional Center to a newly constructed custodial facility in Janguza, turning the old prison into a museum.
The move was confirmed by Ibrahim Adam, Special Adviser on Information in the media team of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
“Kano State government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will transfer all inmates currently at the Kurmawa Correctional Center to Janguza, while the Kurmawa Correctional Center will be transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and promoting the rich culture of the State,” Adam said.
The new Janguza facility, with a 3,000-inmate capacity, was one of several correctional upgrades started during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Built in 1910 by the colonial government, Kurmawa Prison was designed to hold 690 inmates. It has since become one of the most notable symbols of Kano’s colonial and correctional history.
Kano has ten prison formations. Two—Kurmawa and Goron Dutse—are located within the city, while the others are spread across Wudil, Kiru, Rano, Sumaila, Bichi, Tudun-Wada, Gwarzo, and Dawakin-Tofa local government areas.
Adam said the old prison’s conversion into a museum is expected to serve educational and tourism purposes.
“We want to preserve our heritage and at the same time provide a more decent and secure environment for inmates,” he said.
