Halima Mohammed, the chief judge of Gombe state, has ordered the release of 85 inmates from Gombe and Billiri custodial centres in the state.
Between last Tuesday and Friday, the state criminal justice and inquiry committee under the leadership of Mohammed visited four custodial centres located in Gombe, Billiri, Cham and Tula.
According to NAN, 42 inmates were released unconditionally, 38 inmates with conditions attached from Gombe medium custodial centre, while three inmates were freed unconditionally and two with conditions attached from the Billiri centre.
Speaking during the visits, the Gombe chief judge said the committee is focused on decongesting the custodial centre and promoting inmates’ welfare.
Advertisement
Mohammed said the visit is to enable the committee to identify inmates eligible for bail or unconditional release.
The Gombe chief judge asked those who had been convicted to be patient and serve their jail terms.
She added that only the state governor has the power to grant pardon to convicted inmates.
Advertisement
She encouraged the released inmates to turn a new leaf and utilise the chance to impact their communities.
Salihu Abdullahi, the controller of corrections, Gombe state command, said medium security custodial centre was built in 1919 to accommodate 379 inmates but now has 1,076 inmates.
He noted that out of the number, 628 were awaiting trials, while 344 were convicted, while 101 on death row.
He said that the facility is congested, which is contrary to the Correctional Service Act of 2019.
Advertisement
Provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 empower chief judges to visit correctional centres and other detention facilities within their jurisdictions.
