Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered the release of 30 inmates awaiting trial from two custodial centres in Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
During a visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi on Thursday, Justice Baba-Yusuf discharged 24 inmates from the facility, alongside six female inmates from the Keffi Old Medium Security Custodial Centre.
Speaking to the press after the visit, Justice Baba-Yusuf explained that the goal of his visit was to ensure that individuals who should not be incarcerated are released from detention.
“We are here to provide hope for those wrongfully detained. Many of these individuals should never have been imprisoned,” he said. “This visit is intended to ensure that those who have no reason to be in custody are freed as soon as possible.”
The Chief Judge also noted that this initiative would continue, with plans to visit the Kuje and Suleja custodial centres in the future to assess and release detainees who do not belong in the system.
Justice Baba-Yusuf pointed out that overcrowding and wrongful incarceration were due to systemic challenges, including delays by magistrates, the police, and insufficient logistical support for correctional facilities to ensure timely court appearances.
“It’s crucial that correctional centres are properly equipped to carry out their duties effectively. This will not only accelerate the delivery of justice but also prevent the unnecessary detention of individuals who should be free,” he stated.
Lucy Abagi, the CEO of the Public and Private Development Centre, commended the initiative, emphasizing her organization’s commitment to reducing overcrowding in custodial centres nationwide.
She praised the FCT Chief Judge for visiting Keffi to release inmates who, in her opinion, should never have been imprisoned, and called for continued efforts to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities.
Leave a Reply