The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has ordered the immediate release of seven inmates on medical grounds following a review of 82 awaiting-trial cases in the state.
The exercise was conducted at the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Custodial Centres as part of efforts to speed up the administration of justice, protect the rights of detainees and reduce prolonged detention.
According to Musbahu Nassarawa, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, the Chief Judge examined the cases of awaiting-trial persons, including inmates who had spent several years in custody without formal charges.
After considering their health conditions and other circumstances surrounding their continued detention, Justice Aboki ordered the release of the seven inmates.
The Chief Judge stressed the need for justice to be administered fairly and without unnecessary delay, while the Controller of Corrections in Kano, Ahmed Lakpene, urged those released to regard their freedom as an opportunity to begin a new chapter and remain law-abiding.
The exercise involved key justice-sector stakeholders, including the Chief Registrar of the Kano State High Court, the Director of Public Prosecutions, representatives of the police and Legal Aid counsel.
The Nigerian Correctional Service said it would continue working with the judiciary and other justice-sector institutions to promote timely trials, decongest custodial centres and safeguard the rights of persons in custody.
