The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Maria Dzukogi, has freed
21 inmates at the Minna new prison.
Dzukogi released the inmates on Tuesday during her visit to the
detention facility as part of efforts to decongest the prison.
Freed inmates were mostly convicts who had been of good behavior
or nearing the end of their jail terms and those with serious
health challenges.
She also ordered the summary trial of 16 inmates.
The Chief Judge enjoined those released to be of good conduct
and shun criminal acts, adding that a lot of good things awaited
them outside the prison.
“I want you to maintain your good conduct even after you leave
this place.
“I am releasing you on the recommendation of the officer in
charge so make sure you stay away from anything that will bring you
back here.
“And I must commend the prison officials for training you people
and keeping you engaged in one way or the other,” she said
She, however, frowned at the large of number of inmates who have
been languishing in prison for years without trial.
According to her, the Police and the Office of the Director of
Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Ministry of Justice must hasten up
action in all cases in the interest of justice.
She gave the police and the DPP two weeks to conclude work on
certain cases that had lingered for too long without any progress
and get back to her.
Earlier in his remarks, the officer in charge of the prison, DCP
Garba Abubakar, said the facility had a population of 393 inmates
and 259 are awaiting trial.
The CJ had on Feb 6 released 13 inmates at the old Minna
prison.
NAN
The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Maria Dzukogi, has freed
21 inmates at the Minna new prison.
Dzukogi released the inmates on Tuesday during her visit to the
detention facility as part of efforts to decongest the prison.
Freed inmates were mostly convicts who had been of good behavior
or nearing the end of their jail terms and those with serious
health challenges.
She also ordered the summary trial of 16 inmates.
The Chief Judge enjoined those released to be of good conduct
and shun criminal acts, adding that a lot of good things awaited
them outside the prison.
“I want you to maintain your good conduct even after you leave
this place.
“I am releasing you on the recommendation of the officer in
charge so make sure you stay away from anything that will bring you
back here.
“And I must commend the prison officials for training you people
and keeping you engaged in one way or the other,” she said
She, however, frowned at the large of number of inmates who have
been languishing in prison for years without trial.
According to her, the Police and the Office of the Director of
Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Ministry of Justice must hasten up
action in all cases in the interest of justice.
She gave the police and the DPP two weeks to conclude work on
certain cases that had lingered for too long without any progress
and get back to her.
Earlier in his remarks, the officer in charge of the prison, DCP
Garba Abubakar, said the facility had a population of 393 inmates
and 259 are awaiting trial.
The CJ had on Feb 6 released 13 inmates at the old Minna
prison.
NAN
Read more https://www.nairalaw.com/niger-cj-frees-21-prison-inmates-in-minna/