The Chief Judge of Katsina State, Musa Danladi, on Thursday, granted bail to 91 inmates and fully discharged four others during a jail delivery exercise aimed at decongesting correctional facilities in the state.
During the exercise at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Katsina Old, Danladi explained that the decision followed recommendations from the Sub-Committee on Decongestion of Correctional Centres. He noted that the released inmates were considered based on factors such as old age, prolonged detention, and serious health conditions requiring compassionate intervention.
To ensure proper documentation, the chief judge stated that details and photographs of all released inmates would be recorded for future reference and tracking. He also advised them to uphold the law, warning that repeat offenders might not receive similar leniency in the future.
In response, the Controller of Corrections in the state, Umar Baba, expressed gratitude to the chief judge, emphasizing that the exercise had significantly eased pressure on correctional facilities. He highlighted how the release of inmates helped manage prison populations, reduce tension among inmates, and support their rehabilitation process.
Baba further called on judges and magistrates to consider non-custodial sentencing as a strategy to prevent overcrowding in correctional centres. He stressed that such alternatives would enhance the reintegration of offenders into society as responsible citizens.
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