The Chief Judge of Niger State Justice Halima Abdulmalik has released one inmate and granted bail to four others at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory Command, Adamu Duza, and made available to newsmen, said the development followed the visit of the Chief Judge and a team of senior magistrates and officials from the Ministry of Justice.
According to the statement, the team reviewed some and assessed a total of 60 cases, spanning offenses such as murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.
As a result, four inmates were granted bail, and one was released from custody.
“A total number of 60 cases were reviewed, ranging from murder, kidnap, armed robbery among others. Four inmates were granted bail, and one was released.”
The Chief Judge expressed her commitment to promoting non-custodial service measures and facilitating swift access to justice within the state’s judicial system.
Abdulmalik stated that custodial centre visits were statutory to ensure that justice is served.
She also stated that she would ensure that judges and courts embrace the non-custodial service measures in the state as well as ensure speedy access to justice.
Addressing the released inmate, Justice Abdulmalik urged him to refrain from criminal activities while expressing gratitude to the Nigerian Correctional Service authorities for their support in maintaining security and managing the inmates during the exercise.
In response, Francis John, the Controller of Corrections for the Federal Capital Territory, commended the Chief Judge and her team for their prompt intervention.
John urged magistrates and justices to consider adopting non-custodial service sentencing methods to address overcrowding in custodial centers.
Niger Chief Judge frees one inmate, grants bail to four others
