By Huldah Shado
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, on Tuesday ordered the release of 35 inmates awaiting trial at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, in Nasarawa State.
Those freed included 33 men and two women. Justice Baba-Yusuf explained that the visit was part of efforts to ensure that individuals who should not remain in detention are granted timely freedom.
He noted that many inmates had been held unnecessarily and emphasized that the exercise was aimed at correcting such injustices.
“The 35 persons released today had no reason to continue in confinement,” he said, describing the intervention as a significant step toward justice.
The Chief Judge added that such custodial visits would be conducted regularly to prevent undue suffering of awaiting-trial inmates.
He also directed the Director in charge of magistrates to strengthen supervisory oversight to ensure cases are handled diligently and without delay.
Baba-Yusuf further urged FCT magistrates to adopt more efficient case management practices so that trials move faster and inmates gain clarity about their legal status in good time.
During the visit, Miss Cynthia Onyeka, Programme Officer of the Public and Private Development Center (PPDC), a civil society organisation, commended the Chief Judge for dedicating time to inspect custodial facilities and address inmates’ concerns.
