30 Inmates walk free as FCT Chief Judge takes bold action

By Olukayode Babalola

Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has granted freedom to 30 inmates awaiting trial at two custodial centres in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The release occurred during a visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi on Thursday.

Out of the 30 freed inmates, 24 were from the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre, while six, all women, were from the Keffi Old Medium Security Custodial Centre.

Justice Baba-Yusuf explained that the purpose of the visit was to ensure that individuals who should not be behind bars were freed.

“We are giving hope to those who have been unjustly detained. This visit is about ensuring that people who have no business being here are not kept behind bars,” he remarked.

He also announced that this initiative would continue, with visits planned for the Kuje and Suleja custodial centres to identify individuals who do not belong in detention.

The Chief Judge highlighted several contributing factors to overcrowding in the centres, including inefficiencies among magistrates, law enforcement, and the correctional system.

“The lack of proper logistics support for bringing inmates to court contributes to the delays,” he said. “We need to support the correctional system to ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly.”

Mrs. Lucy Abagi, CEO of the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), commended the Chief Judge for his efforts.

She shared concerns about individuals unable to afford bail, especially in cases related to gender-based violence, noting that some detainees had been held for weeks, months, or even years without conviction.

“We saw people who were granted bail but could not afford as little as N20,000. Some women were detained due to gender-based violence, even though they had opposed abuse. They have been wrongfully detained, which goes against the law,” Abagi stated.

She emphasized the importance of decongesting custodial centres and ensuring that only those convicted of serious crimes remain incarcerated.

Mrs. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja Branch, stressed the need for increased awareness among women about their legal rights. She noted that many of the women detained were victims of abuse, often at the hands of powerful individuals who misused the law against them.

“We aim to educate women on their rights so they can seek legal help if they find themselves in such situations,” Onyenucheya-Uko said.

Mr. Yau Ibrahim, Controller of the Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre, expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge for his visit. He affirmed that the correctional officers supported efforts to reduce overcrowding and improve conditions within the custodial system.