Kano Govt to Convert 100-Year-Old Prison into Museum
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO- In a bold move to unlock the past, the Kano state government on Monday announced plans to convert a century old Kurumawa
maximum security prison into museum.
Kurmawa Prison built in 1910 by the British colonial government within the precinct of Kano emir’s palace was designed to hold 690 inmates, which has over the past115 years become one of the most notable symbols of Kano’s colonial and correctional history.
Ibrahim Adam, the Special Adviser on Information in his verified Facebook page said the Kano heritage revamp would lead to transfer of inmates from the colonial-era Kurmawa Correctional Center to a new facility at Janguza near military barrack along Kano- Gwarzo – Dayi federal Highway.
Existing statistics revealed that the Janguza facility built by late President Muhammadu Buhari administration has a capacity to accommodate 3,000-inmate.
Adam said “Kano State government under the leadeship of Gov. Abba K 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 prison to palace of history is expected to serve educational and tourism purposes among centres within and around the ancient city of Kano.
He stated that “We want to preserve our heritage and at the same time provide a more decent and secure environment for inmates”.