Kano Chief Judge frees seven inmates on medical grounds

The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has reviewed the cases of 82 awaiting-trial inmates during a jail delivery exercise across two custodial centres in the state.

The exercise was conducted at the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Custodial Centres as part of efforts to reduce prolonged detention, decongest correctional facilities and promote speedy dispensation of justice.

According to a statement by the Kano State Command Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CSC Musbahu Lawan K/Nassarawa, the Chief Judge reviewed the cases of inmates who had remained in custody for extended periods, including some who had yet to face formal trial.

Following consideration of their cases and medical conditions, Justice Aboki ordered the immediate release of seven inmates on medical grounds.

The exercise, the statement said, reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the rights of persons in custody and ensuring that no individual is detained beyond what is permitted by law.

Addressing the inmates, the Chief Judge stressed the need for justice to be administered fairly and without unnecessary delays.

The Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf Lakpene, urged those released to regard their freedom as an opportunity to rebuild their lives and remain law-abiding.

Lakpene also commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for providing an environment that supports humane treatment of inmates across custodial facilities.

He said regular jail delivery exercises remained an important mechanism for decongesting custodial centres and improving access to justice.

The Chief Judge was accompanied by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions, representatives of the Commissioner of Police, Legal Aid Council officials and other stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice.

The Kano Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service said it would continue to collaborate with the judiciary and other justice-sector institutions to promote timely trials, reduce congestion and safeguard the rights of persons in custody.