By Milcah Tanimu

Chief Judge Halima Abdulmalik of Niger State took decisive action on Tuesday by freeing one inmate and granting bail to four others from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja.

This development was announced through a press statement signed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Capital Territory Command.

During the visit, Justice Abdulmalik, accompanied by senior magistrates and officials from the Ministry of Justice, reviewed a total of 60 cases, including those related to murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Four inmates were granted bail, while one was released outright.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge emphasized the statutory nature of custodial centre visits in ensuring justice is served. She pledged to promote the adoption of non-custodial service measures by judges and courts in the state, aiming for expedited access to justice.

Additionally, Abdulmalik cautioned the released inmate to abstain from criminal activities. She expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Correctional Service for their support in maintaining security and coordinating inmates during the exercise.

Francis John, the FCT Controller of Corrections, lauded the Chief Judge’s timely intervention and urged her to advocate for non-custodial service sentencing among magistrates and justices to reduce custodial centre populations. He advised the released inmate to engage in productive activities to steer clear of criminal behavior.

Abubakar Umar, the released inmate, expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge for granting him pardon, acknowledging the opportunity to rebuild his life.