Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered the release of 35 inmates awaiting trial from two custodial centres in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The release, comprising 33 males and two females, took place during a visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi on Tuesday, as part of efforts to decongest Nigeria’s overcrowded prisons.Speaking during the exercise, Justice Baba-Yusuf emphasized that the initiative aimed to free individuals who should not be incarcerated.
“There are many people who shouldn’t be here in the first place. This visit ensures that those with no business being detained are not kept behind bars, not even for a day,” he stated.
He described the release of the 35 inmates as a “huge boost” and pledged that such visits would become routine to prevent unnecessary suffering in custody.
To streamline judicial processes, Baba-Yusuf directed magistrates in FCT courts to enhance case management and expedite trials, ensuring inmates’ fates are determined promptly.
He also instructed the director in charge of magistrates to oversee court proceedings to ensure efficiency.Cynthia Onyeka, a programme officer at the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), commended the Chief Judge’s efforts, noting that Nigeria’s high rate of awaiting-trial detentions has led to severe overcrowding in custodial centres.
“This visit is a critical step toward decongesting the system,” she said, adding that PPDC supported the initiative to promote a fair and transparent justice system, particularly for vulnerable individuals unable to afford legal representation.
Onyeka revealed that PPDC paid fines totaling N1.5 million to facilitate some of the releases, further reducing the detainee population.
Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, chairperson of the Abuja branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), also praised Justice Baba-Yusuf for his compassionate approach.
“This exercise reflects mercy and a commitment to justice for those unfairly detained,” she said, highlighting the importance of such interventions in addressing systemic challenges in Nigeria’s custodial system.
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