FCT CJ releases 35 inmates in Nasarawa prison to ease decongestion

The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, has ordered the discharge of 35 inmates from custodial centres in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The freed inmates, comprising 33 men and two women, were released after a review of their cases during the Chief Judge’s inspection of the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre.

The intervention was supported by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), a non-governmental organisation.

Although the exercise took place in Nasarawa State, the Keffi facility houses a significant number of inmates awaiting trial in Abuja courts.

Due to limited custodial facilities within the FCT, prisons in nearby states such as Nasarawa and Niger are often used to hold inmates with cases linked to the capital.

One of those released, Mohammed Abdullahi, had spent over a year in detention without a single court appearance.

Speaking after the exercise, Justice Baba-Yusuf said the visit was aimed at correcting lapses in the system and safeguarding the rights of detainees.

“We have freed people who had no reason to remain in custody. Some have been here far too long, while others had no real charges against them,” he explained.

“This exercise will continue routinely to prevent unnecessary suffering.”

The Chief Judge also directed magistrates in the FCT to fast-track pending cases and improve case management.

According to him, “Delays in trials will no longer be tolerated. All pending cases have been reassigned new dates to ensure inmates know their fate without prolonged waiting.”

Programs Officer at PPDC, Cynthia Onyeka, said the initiative was part of efforts to decongest Nigeria’s overstretched custodial facilities.

“Detention without trial is a big challenge in the country. We supported this exercise by paying N1.5 million in fines to enable the release of some inmates,” she noted.

She stressed that the NGO’s involvement was to ensure fairness and access to justice, especially for vulnerable individuals unable to afford legal representation.

Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, also applauded the intervention.

She said NGOs often step in to cover fines for female inmates who cannot meet court-ordered payments.

The Officer in Charge of the Keffi Custodial Centre, Sumaila Bulus, welcomed the initiative, noting that the facility currently holds 667 inmates.

He appealed for logistical support, particularly vehicles to transport inmates to courts in the FCT, as the existing two vehicles are inadequate.

This development comes weeks after a security breach at the same facility, where 16 inmates escaped after overpowering correctional officers.

Seven have been recaptured, while nine remain at large, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service.