Gombe CJ Frees 185 Inmates, Urges Them To Uphold Good Deeds
In a bid to decongest custodial centres and ensure the well-being of inmates, the Gombe State Chief Judge, Justice Halima Mohammed, has released 185 inmates from the Billiri and Gombe custodial centres.
The exercise, which was carried out by the Gombe State Criminal Justice and Inquiry Committee, aimed to provide a second chance to those who deserved it.
During her visit to the custodial centres, Justice Mohammed commended her team for their diligent efforts in ensuring that deserving inmates were set free. She also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the committee members, which contributed to the success of the exercise.
At the Gombe correctional centre, 75 inmates were released on bail, 61 were released unconditionally, and 10 were granted freedom due to their good conduct. Similarly, at the Billiri correctional centre, six inmates were released on bail, 26 were released unconditionally, and seven were freed based on their good behavior.
Justice Mohammed took the opportunity to advise the released inmates to maintain their good conduct as they reintegrate into society. She also called upon all magistrates in the state to ensure justice and critically evaluate each case before passing judgment.
“If you have any issue with anybody, you should be able to prove your case in court and then get that person behind bars if he is at fault,” Justice Mohammed stated. “We should not assist those who think they can only get people behind bars.”
The Chief Judge emphasized the importance of doing the right thing to create a better society for all.
Lawan Idris, the Gombe State Comptroller of the Medium Correctional Centre, praised the efforts of the state criminal justice committee and its chairperson. He noted that the exercise had yielded positive results in decongesting the inmates’ population and reducing the federal government’s expenses on feeding them.
The release of the 185 inmates serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial reform and the need to ensure that the justice system operates fairly and efficiently. It is hoped that this exercise will inspire similar initiatives across the country to address the challenges faced by the Nigerian correctional system.
