The Chief Judge of Kano State, Hon. Justice Dije Abdu‑Aboki, has ordered the release of six inmates identified as having spent the longest periods in custody across various correctional centres in the state.
This directive was contained in a statement issued in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, Mr. Musbahu Lawan.
The decision comes against the backdrop of persistent challenges within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly the problem of prolonged pre‑trial detention and the attendant overcrowding of correctional facilities.
Across many states in Nigeria, detainees often remain in custody for years without trial, largely due to missing case files, inefficient prosecution, and systemic delays in the judicial process. These lapses raise serious human rights concerns and place an unsustainable burden on custodial institutions.
Justice Abdu‑Aboki granted the release during her official working visit to custodial facilities in Kano State, where she reviewed the circumstances of the affected inmates.
According to Lawan, the Chief Judge noted that the releases were necessitated by the absence of active prosecution, missing case files, and prolonged delays in the inmates’ legal proceedings.
She emphasised that the action aligns with her commitment to reforming and improving the administration of justice in Kano State, ensuring that the rights of detainees are respected while upholding the rule of law.
Justice Abdu‑Aboki called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders in the justice sector, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the Attorney‑General of Kano State, and the Nigerian Correctional Service to ensure timely dispensation of justice and to reduce the incidence of prolonged pre‑trial detention.
She urged the released inmates to become law‑abiding citizens, desist from criminal conduct, and contribute positively to their communities. The Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Mr. Ado Inuwa, also cautioned them to avoid any actions that could lead to re‑incarceration.
Mr. Inuwa commended the Controller‑General of Corrections, Mr. Sylvester Indidi‑Nwakuche, for his dedication to inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation through skills acquisition and educational programmes aimed at making ex‑inmates self‑reliant. He reiterated that over 70 per cent of inmates nationwide are awaiting‑trial prisoners, a situation that exacerbates overcrowding, undermines prison conditions, and contributes to a backlog of unresolved cases.
