The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has ordered the release of seven inmates after reviewing the cases of 82 awaiting-trial persons during a jail delivery exercise in the state.
The exercise was conducted at the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Custodial Centres as part of efforts to speed up the administration of justice and protect the rights of people awaiting trial.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, Musbahu Nassarawa.
According to Nassarawa, the Chief Judge reviewed cases involving inmates who had remained in custody for extended periods without formal charges.
He said seven inmates were freed after the court considered their health conditions and other circumstances surrounding their continued detention.
The statement quoted the NCS as saying, “The Chief Judge ordered the immediate release of seven inmates on medical grounds, following due consideration of their health conditions and other circumstances surrounding their continued detention.”
The exercise, according to the correctional service, was aimed at preventing unlawful or prolonged detention while improving access to justice.
Speaking to the inmates, Justice Aboki stressed that justice should be administered fairly and without unnecessary delays.
The exercise also highlighted the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of persons in custody.
The Controller of Corrections in Kano State, Ahmed Lakpene, urged those released to make good use of their freedom by living responsibly and obeying the law.
Lakpene said, “Your release is an opportunity to turn a new page in your lives. Remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could bring you into conflict with the law.”
He commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for supporting measures aimed at ensuring humane treatment of inmates across custodial facilities.
The controller also said jail delivery exercises were important in reducing overcrowding in correctional centres and ensuring that inmates had access to justice.
The Chief Judge was accompanied by senior judicial officials, including the Chief Registrar of the High Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions, representatives of the police, Legal Aid counsel and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system.
The Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service said it would continue to collaborate with the judiciary and other justice-sector institutions to promote timely trials, decongest custodial facilities and protect the rights of persons in custody.
