The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has ordered the release of seven inmates on medical grounds after reviewing the cases of 82 awaiting-trial persons.
The exercise was carried out at the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse custodial centres as part of efforts to speed up justice and protect the rights of people in custody.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano Command, Musbahu Nassarawa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
“The Honourable Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki has reviewed the cases of 82 awaiting trial persons during a jail delivery exercise conducted at custodial centres in Kano State.”
The statement said some of the inmates had spent years in custody without formal charges.
“During the exercise, the Chief Judge ordered the immediate release of seven inmates on medical grounds, following due consideration of their health conditions and other circumstances surrounding their continued detention,” it added.
Justice Aboki stressed the need for justice to be administered fairly and without unnecessary delays.
The Controller of Corrections in Kano, Ahmed Lakpene, urged the released inmates to use their freedom to make positive changes, obey the law and avoid actions that could lead to further trouble.
He also said jail delivery exercises were important for reducing overcrowding in correctional centres and improving access to justice.
The exercise was attended by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Director of Public Prosecutions, representatives of the Commissioner of Police, Legal Aid lawyers and other justice-sector stakeholders.
The Nigerian Correctional Service said it would continue working with the judiciary and other partners to ensure timely trials, reduce overcrowding and protect the rights of inmates.
Kano Chief Judge orders release of seven inmates on medical grounds