The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, has ordered the release of 35 inmates from two correctional facilities in Keffi, Nasarawa State. The gesture, which freed 33 men and three women, came during his official visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre on Tuesday.
Justice Baba-Yusuf explained that the exercise was aimed at ensuring that no individual remains in custody longer than necessary. “There are many people who don’t belong here, and we want to make sure that those who shouldn’t be locked up don’t have to spend even one extra day inside,” he declared, adding that such inspections would now be a regular practice to curb unnecessary detention.
He directed the Director in charge of magistrates to streamline court processes and speed up trials so that inmates can know their fate without prolonged delays. His intervention highlights a long-standing problem in Nigeria’s justice system, hundreds of inmates awaiting trial, many unable to secure legal representation, leaving prisons overcrowded and stretched beyond capacity.
Civil society groups welcomed the development. Cynthia Onyeka, a representative of the Public and Private Development Center (PPDC), applauded the release, describing it as a crucial step towards ending the plight of inmates held without trial. To further support the freed prisoners, PPDC paid fines totaling N1.5 million to secure additional releases.
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Similarly, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Abuja branch, Mrs. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, praised the Chief Judge’s compassion and commended non-governmental organizations that stepped in to pay fines, especially for indigent women.
The officer in charge of the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre, Mr. Sumaila Bulus, expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that the center is currently holding 667 inmates. He called for urgent assistance in transportation facilities, stressing that a shortage of vehicles hampers the ability to take inmates to court as required.
The release of the 35 inmates is being hailed as a victory for justice reform in Nigeria, with observers urging more consistent efforts to decongest prisons, protect human rights, and ensure fair trials. For many, the Keffi intervention signals hope that justice is not just delayed but can also be delivered.
