The Kogi state acting chief judge, Justice Henry Olusiyi, in a bid to decongest correctional centres in the state has reviewed cases of 200 inmates and released four unconditionally.
Justice Olusiyi who reviewed the cases at Kabba and Okene Correctional Centres Monday said the exercise was to ensure that suspects are not kept unnecessarily in custody.
At the Kabba Correctional Center that hosts inmates meant for the Koton-Karfe facility as a result of the 2019 flood disaster , the acting chief judge directed the release of Abdullahi Usman, who was diagnosed of diabetes, and scabies.
Justice Olusiyi, who acted based on the medical report brought before him, said the accused person has been detained for too long without trial.
“The accused person has been in detention for more than one year. Neither the DPP nor OC legal has details of him. It is not just to continue to keep him here any further. The accused is hereby released unconditionally forthwith,” the acting CJ ruled.
Another suspect, Zakariyahu Abdullahi, who has been in custody since May 2020 for alleged trespass, shop breaking and theft, was also released by Justice Olusiyi after being remanded at Koton karfe Correctional Center without trial.
“The accused has been in custody since May and the period he has spent in custody is enough for him to learn from his mistake. I am granting him unconditional release to return to the society and turn a new leave,” he said.
Similarly, Sayo Joseph, who was arrested for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping, was released as Justice Olusiyi said the accused has no prima facie case to answer.
At the Okene Custodian Center with 74 inmates, 36 convicted and 38 awaiting trial, Tijani Abdullahi who had been in custody for 14 months for theft and assault also regained his freedom.
“The defendant had stayed in custody for too long, hence, there is need to release him as he must have also learnt his lessons. The defendant is hereby released unconditionally.”
