The Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima S. Mohammed, has ordered the release of 79 inmates following a three-day jail delivery exercise across correctional facilities in the state.
The exercise, which commenced on August 3 and ended on August 5, 2026, involved the review of 608 awaiting trial cases at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Gombe, Billiri, Tula, Cham, Bajoga and Nafada.
The exercise was conducted pursuant to Section 1 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Gombe State, which empowers the Chief Judge to inspect correctional facilities and review the cases of awaiting trial persons.
At the end of the exercise, 41 inmates were granted conditional bail, while 38 others were ordered to be released unconditionally.
The releases, according to the statement, were based on factors including health conditions, old age and prolonged detention without trial.
Speaking during the exercise, Justice Mohammed said the initiative was part of the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights and reducing congestion in correctional facilities.
She stressed the need for speedy dispensation of justice, noting that no individual should remain in detention longer than permitted by law.
The Chief Judge also urged inmates to remain law-abiding and respect constituted authorities, while advising those released to stay away from crime and make responsible use of their freedom.
The Controller of Corrections, Gombe State Command, Agada Felix Audu, commended the Chief Judge and the state government for the exercise, saying it would contribute to decongesting custodial facilities and supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates.
He also urged correctional officers to maintain professionalism and treat inmates with respect and human dignity.
The exercise involved judicial and criminal justice stakeholders, including High Court judges, magistrates, prosecutors, representatives of the police and Department of State Services, the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant officials.
