Inmates at the Abakaliki Custodial Centre received relief as the Ebonyi State Chief Judge freed four detainees during a jail delivery exercise aimed at decongesting correctional facilities.
ABAKALIKI — The Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Elvis Ngene, has ordered the release of four inmates during a jail delivery exercise conducted at the Abakaliki Custodial Centre as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and ensure timely justice.
Speaking during the exercise on Wednesday, Justice Ngene disclosed that 18 inmates’ cases were reviewed, resulting in the discharge of four inmates, the remand of seven others and the refusal of bail for seven detainees.
According to the Chief Judge, the decision to release the four inmates was based on the circumstances surrounding their cases and their eligibility for bail.
“There will be another opportunity to review inmates’ cases in December. Today, we reviewed 18 cases, discharged four inmates, denied bail to seven, and remanded the remaining seven,” he said.
Justice Ngene advised the freed inmates to avoid criminal activities that could lead to their return to custody.
He also encouraged the seven inmates who were remanded to use their time in custody for reflection, rehabilitation and personal reform ahead of their eventual reintegration into society.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Ben Odoh, praised the Chief Judge for conducting the jail delivery exercise, describing it as an important measure for reducing congestion in custodial centres.
Odoh explained that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and the Release from Custody Act, 2024, the Chief Judge is empowered to conduct jail delivery exercises at least once every year.
According to him, the exercise allows the judiciary to review the cases of inmates, particularly those facing minor offences or prolonged detention, and grant bail where appropriate.
He emphasised that correctional centres are intended to promote rehabilitation and reformation rather than serve solely as places of punishment.
“The Chief Judge exercised his discretion with compassion while upholding the law. Those who regained their freedom should go and sin no more,” Odoh said.
One of the released inmates, Femi Ajibola, who had been standing trial for alleged conspiracy and robbery, expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge and the Attorney-General for granting him freedom.
The cases reviewed during the exercise involved offences including robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, internet fraud and rape.
The jail delivery exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ebonyi State judiciary to promote access to justice, reduce overcrowding in custodial facilities and uphold the rights of eligible detainees under the law.
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