Kano State to Convert Historic Kurmawa Prison Into Heritage Museum

The Kano State Government has announced plans to convert the Kurmawa Maximum Security Prison, one of Nigeria’s oldest correctional centers, into a heritage museum.

Originally constructed in 1910 by British colonial authorities, the prison was designed to house 690 inmates and is located within the grounds of the Kano Emir’s Palace. For over a century, Kurmawa has stood as a stark reminder of colonial administration and the evolution of Nigeria’s penal system.

According to a statement shared Monday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, inmates currently held at Kurmawa will be relocated to a new correctional facility in Janguza, near the military barracks along the Kano–Gwarzo–Dayi Federal Highway.

The Janguza facility, constructed during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has the capacity to accommodate up to 3,000 prisoners, a significant upgrade in both space and security.

“Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba K. Yusuf will transfer all inmates from Kurmawa Correctional Center to Janguza, while Kurmawa will be transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and promoting the rich culture of the State,” Adam stated.

The planned museum is expected to serve as a tourist and educational destination, spotlighting Kano’s rich history and showcasing artifacts that speak to its colonial, traditional, and reformist past.

“We want to preserve our heritage and at the same time provide a more decent and secure environment for inmates,” Adam added.

Once completed, the “prison-to-palace of history” initiative will contribute to the state’s growing efforts to revitalize historical landmarks, while providing an updated infrastructure for its correctional system.