Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, has ordered the release of 35 inmates from custodial centres in Keffi, Nasarawa State, as part of efforts to decongest facilities and safeguard the rights of detainees.
Justice Baba-Yusuf made the decision on Tuesday during a visit to the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre.
The exercise, supported by the Public and Private Development Centre, resulted in the freedom of 33 men and two women.
One of the released inmates, Mohammed Abdullahi, had reportedly spent a full year in detention without making a single appearance before any court.
“Today, we have been able to set free 35 people who had no business being here, and that is a huge boost,” Justice Baba-Yusuf told journalists after the exercise.
He stressed that the initiative would not be a one-off.
“This will continue to be a routine thing to ensure that the rights of our citizens are guaranteed. Some of those released are persons who have been here unnecessarily for a long time, those who are unwell, and those with no genuine offences,” he added.
The Chief Judge further disclosed that cases facing unnecessary delays have been assigned fresh hearing dates, with magistrates directed to exercise stricter oversight.
“I have instructed magistrates to improve case management so trials can run expeditiously and inmates are able to know their fate,” he said.
Programs Officer at PPDC, Cynthia Onyeka, commended the intervention, describing prolonged pre-trial detention as one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s justice system.
“In this country, we have a high rate of anti-trial detentions leading to overcrowded custodial centres. For today’s exercise, we supported by paying fines worth ₦1.5 million to secure the release of some inmates,” she explained.
Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Abuja branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, also expressed appreciation, noting that NGOs often step in to assist female inmates unable to pay fines or compensation.
The Officer in Charge of the Keffi custodial facility, Sumaila Bulus, said the intervention was timely as the centre currently houses 667 inmates. He, however, appealed for additional logistics support, particularly vehicles to transport inmates to court.
The exercise comes barely a month after 16 inmates escaped from the same facility on August 12, following a security breach.
While seven of the escapees have been recaptured, security agencies are still searching for the remaining nine.
