The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu Aboki, has reviewed the cases of 82 awaiting-trial persons and ordered the immediate release of seven inmates on medical grounds.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, Musbahu Nassarawa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The jail delivery exercise was conducted at the Kurmawa and Goron Dutse Custodial Centres as part of efforts to accelerate the administration of justice and safeguard the rights of persons in custody.
According to the NCS, some of the inmates whose cases were reviewed had spent several years in custody without formal charges.
The statement said the Chief Judge approved the release of seven inmates after considering their medical conditions and the circumstances surrounding their continued detention.
Aboki, while addressing the inmates, stressed the need for justice to be administered fairly and without unnecessary delays.
The exercise also reinforced the commitment of the Kano State Judiciary to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that individuals are not kept in custody beyond what is legally permissible.
The Controller of Corrections in Kano State, Ahmed Lakpene, urged the released inmates to consider their freedom an opportunity to make a fresh start.
He advised them to remain law-abiding and avoid actions that could result in further conflict with the law.
Lakpene also commended the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, for supporting efforts aimed at ensuring humane treatment of inmates.
He noted that jail delivery exercises were an important part of efforts to decongest custodial facilities and improve access to justice for inmates.
The Chief Judge 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 stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice.
The Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, said it would continue to collaborate with the judiciary and other justice-sector partners to promote timely trials, reduce congestion in custodial centres and protect the rights of persons in custody.
