Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos — In a significant move aimed at addressing chronic overcrowding in the city’s correctional facilities, Lagos State authorities carried out a prison decongestion exercise on Tuesday, resulting in the release of eligible inmates and the deportation of two foreign nationals. The operation, overseen by the Lagos State Judiciary in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service and immigration authorities, underscores ongoing efforts to improve the administration of justice and uphold humanitarian standards in the penal system.
At a specially convened session of the Ogba Magistrates’ Court, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, ordered the release of 18 inmates from various custodial centres across the state. Among those released were four women and 14 men who were deemed eligible for discharge after careful review of their cases. In addition to the releases, Justice Alogba directed that two Chadian nationals — identified as Musa Abubakar and Yusuf Aliu — be deported immediately to their home country following their release from custody.
The exercise formed part of a structured decongestion initiative designed to ease pressure on correctional facilities in Lagos, which, according to officials, currently house more than 8,000 inmates despite having an official capacity of fewer than 4,000. This imbalance has long presented challenges for correctional management, contributing to unsafe conditions, strained resources, and limited rehabilitative opportunities for detainees.
In his remarks at the court session, Justice Alogba emphasised that the releases and deportations were carried out strictly within the confines of the law, following thorough assessments of individual cases. “This is an opportunity for you to change because you will not be this lucky next time if you commit another offence,” he told the beneficiaries of the exercise, urging them to make positive contributions to society upon their release.
The two Chadian nationals were among those granted release, but because of the nature of their offences, Justice Alogba ordered that they be handed over to the Lagos State Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service for deportation. One of the men, Musa Abubakar, revealed during the court session that he had been in custody since 2018 without being brought before a court. Both individuals admitted various offences in custody, prompting the judge to insist on their repatriation rather than allowing them to remain in Nigeria.
The decongestion session drew beneficiaries from multiple correctional facilities across Lagos, including the Borstal Home in Adigbe, the female correctional centre, and medium and maximum security custodial centres. Those released included inmates who had met the legal criteria for discharge, such as having served a significant portion of their sentence, demonstrating good behaviour, or having spent more time in custody than would be required under their sentence if convicted.
However, despite the positive outcomes for many, several inmates were not granted release after their cases were reviewed. Those whose applications were denied included individuals charged with serious offences such as armed robbery, unlawful killing, rape, and defilement of minors — categories that fall outside the parameters for decongestion eligibility under applicable justice laws. Justice Alogba made clear that adherence to statutory provisions was critical in the exercise to ensure public safety and prevent interference with ongoing legal processes.
Officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service echoed the need for such exercises, citing persistent overcrowding as a barrier to effective rehabilitation and humane detention conditions. Mr Daramola George, the Controller of the NCoS Lagos State Command, described the exercise as a vital step in confronting the challenges posed by congested custodial centres, which affect not only inmate well‑being but also the safety of correctional staff and the broader community.
“Overcrowding has been a persistent issue, impacting not only the safety of staff and inmates but also the prospect of successful rehabilitation,” George said, commending the judiciary and state government for their collaborative efforts in reviewing cases with fairness and compassion.
Human rights advocates and criminal justice reform proponents have long called for systematic reviews of custodial populations in Nigeria’s most populous state. They argue that periodic decongestion exercises, grounded in clear legal frameworks and due process, can alleviate systemic pressures while advancing broader reforms within the penal system. Such reforms include improving pre‑trial detention practices, expanding alternative sentencing measures, and enhancing reintegration support for former inmates.
The Lagos State Judiciary has reiterated its commitment to transparency and legal rigor throughout the decongestion process. By adhering to statutory provisions and ensuring that only qualified candidates are considered for release, authorities hope to maintain public confidence in the justice system and avoid arbitrary decision‑making.
For the inmates walking free after the exercise, the moment represents both relief and a chance for redemption. Several of those released spoke briefly at the court, expressing remorse for past actions and pledging to rebuild their lives with integrity. Their stories reflect the complex interplay between justice, rehabilitation, and societal reintegration — an interplay that Lagos State officials say remains at the heart of the decongestion initiative.
Looking ahead, Lagos State authorities have indicated that decongestion exercises may be conducted periodically, provided there are sufficient numbers of qualified cases that meet legal requirements. The state’s judiciary and correctional service will continue to collaborate closely to monitor conditions within custodial centres and identify opportunities to ease overcrowding without compromising legal standards or public safety.
The exercise comes amid wider national conversations in Nigeria about criminal justice reform and the humane treatment of persons in custody. As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of an expanding prison population, initiatives like the Lagos State decongestion exercise may serve as a reference point for other states seeking to balance justice, mercy, and public protection.
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