Suleja jail delivery sees 13 inmates regain freedom as Niger Chief Judge reviews cases to promote justice and decongest custodial centre

No fewer than 13 inmates regained their freedom on Monday following a Suleja jail delivery exercise conducted at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, by the Niger State Judiciary.

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The exercise was presided over by the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, who led a judicial team to review 55 cases involving awaiting trial inmates and other detainees eligible for consideration.

According to officials, three inmates were discharged and acquitted, one secured release on bail, while nine others were freed on grounds of good conduct and exemplary behaviour, subject to payment of compensation where applicable.

Justice Abdulmalik described the exercise as a decisive intervention aimed at preventing unjust prolonged detention and strengthening confidence in the justice system.

“This jail delivery exercise is a testament to our shared resolve to ensure no one languishes in custody unjustly,” she said.

“We are not just decongesting facilities. We are restoring lives, upholding the rule of law and paving the way for reformed citizens to contribute meaningfully to society.”

The Chief Judge urged justice sector stakeholders to sustain collaborative efforts capable of accelerating case disposal and improving access to justice.

In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, Federal Capital Territory Command, Mr Christopher Jen, commended the judiciary for its continued partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Service in advancing custodial reforms.

Mr Jen highlighted ongoing rehabilitation initiatives at the Suleja facility, including vocational skills acquisition and moral instruction programmes designed to prepare inmates for reintegration into society.

He assured that beneficiaries of the release would receive adequate support to enable productive re-entry into their communities.

Also speaking, the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections Sunday Ejeh, said the exercise had boosted morale among inmates while easing congestion within the facility.

Mr Ejeh appealed for sustained judicial visits, noting that regular interventions would further enhance rehabilitation outcomes and reinforce inmates’ commitment to reform.

A major highlight of the visit was Justice Abdulmalik’s inspection of the vocational training centre, where inmates were observed participating in tailoring, shoemaking, bag production, bead crafting and cosmetics manufacturing.

Officials said the inspection underscored ongoing correctional transformation efforts aligned with the reform vision of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche.

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The Suleja jail delivery exercise forms part of broader judicial measures aimed at promoting rehabilitation, reducing overcrowding and strengthening humane justice administration across custodial facilities.