Niger State Chief Judge Oversees Release of 35 Inmates in Annual Jail Delivery Initiative
In an effort to alleviate congestion in custodial centers managed the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, facilitated the release of 35 inmates from both the Minna Old and New Medium Security Custodial Centers during the annual jail delivery exercise held from March 10 to March 12, 2025.
During the exercise, Justice Halima Ibrahim reviewed the cases of 16 awaiting trial inmates through summary trial proceedings. Among these, five individuals were granted bail, while six others received various prison sentences based on the duration of their arrest and detention.
Additionally, 15 inmates from the Minna Old facility and 13 from the New facility were discharged due to noncompliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act as well as delays in case prosecution by the Nigerian Police.
Over the course of the three-day initiative, Justice Halima also granted clemency to four convicts at the Minna Old Medium Security Custodial Center, acknowledging their remorse and good behavior during their incarceration.
In her concluding remarks, Justice Halima urged the released inmates to uphold positive conduct and avoid any actions that might result in their return to custody.
She expressed her gratitude to the Niger State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their unwavering commitment to the service’s mission of reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration of those who have run afoul of the law into society as law-abiding citizens.
CC Ahasu Aliyu, the Controller of Corrections for the Niger State Command, commended the Chief Judge for her dedication in conducting the jail delivery exercise, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan.
He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in enhancing the operational efficacy of the command and delivering justice to vulnerable inmates.
Controller Aliyu further called on the Chief Judge to encourage magistrates and Sharia court judges to consider non-custodial measures when sentencing minor offenders, aiming to reduce overcrowding in custodial facilities.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 empowers the service to offer non-custodial options, such as parole, probation, restorative justice, and community service as alternatives to incarceration.
Alhaji Isiyaku Ndako, speaking on behalf of the released inmates, expressed profound gratitude to the Chief Judge and correctional authorities for their generosity and support, pledging to uphold good behavior in the future.
He noted that the skills they acquired while incarcerated would aid them in becoming self-reliant and resist the temptations of crime upon re-entering society.
Attendees at the judgment proceedings included the State Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council, members of the NBA Human Rights Lawyers, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and legal officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department, among others.
