Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has ordered the immediate release of seven inmates from two custodial centres in the state after reviewing the cases of 82 awaiting-trial persons during a jail delivery exercise. The exercise, conducted at the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Custodial Centres, was part of efforts to promote the speedy administration of justice, safeguard the rights of persons in custody and reduce congestion in correctional facilities across the state.
Justice Aboki, who is the first female Chief Judge of Kano State, reviewed the cases of inmates who had spent extended periods in custody without formal charges, stressing the need for justice to be administered fairly and without unnecessary delays. Following due consideration of their health conditions and other circumstances surrounding their continued detention, she ordered the immediate release of seven inmates on medical grounds. The exercise, which took place on Friday, August 14, 2026, was conducted in accordance with the Chief Judge's statutory powers to review cases and order the release of inmates whose continued detention is manifestly unlawful or whose health conditions warrant urgent intervention.
The Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, through its Public Relations Officer, CSC Musbahu Lawan K/Nassarawa, disclosed the development in a statement. According to the statement, the Chief Judge reviewed the cases of inmates who had remained in custody for prolonged periods, including some who had yet to face formal trial. The exercise 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. Justice Aboki, who was accompanied by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions, representatives of the Commissioner of Police, Legal Aid counsel and other critical stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice, emphasised the importance of justice being administered fairly and without unnecessary delay.
Addressing the released inmates, the Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Ahmed Yusuf Lakpene, urged them to regard their freedom as an opportunity for a new beginning. He advised the beneficiaries to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could lead to further conflict with the law. Lakpene commended the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for creating an enabling environment for the humane treatment and welfare of inmates across custodial centres. He described jail delivery exercises as a vital component of efforts to decongest custodial facilities and improve access to justice for persons awaiting trial.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the judiciary and other justice-sector stakeholders to facilitate timely trials, decongest custodial centres and protect the rights and dignity of persons in custody. The release of the seven inmates on medical grounds underscores the ongoing efforts of the Kano State Judiciary to uphold the rule of law, safeguard human rights and ensure that persons in custody are not detained beyond what is permitted by law. For the seven inmates who have now regained their freedom, the Chief Judge's decision represents a second chance at life, a chance to heal, to rebuild and to start anew.
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