To decongest the state’s correctional facilities, the Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee (JDC), led by the Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, has discharged fifty-seven inmates and granted bail to twenty-nine others at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Jimeta.
The exercise, which is part of the committee’s ongoing efforts, also saw the conviction of fifty-two individuals and the downward review of three cases.
The Jimeta facility, which has a maximum capacity of three hundred inmates, is currently housing three hundred and thirty-nine, a situation described as overcrowded.
With this latest intervention, a total of one hundred and forty-one inmates at the centre have benefited from the committee’s work.
Following the proceedings, Justice Abdulrahman addressed the press, admonishing the freed individuals to be of good behaviour and steer clear of activities that could lead them back into trouble.
She expressed her gratitude to her team and the management of the Custodial Centre for their support and cooperation throughout the exercise.
The sentiment was echoed by one of the beneficiaries, Haggai Audi, who spoke on behalf of others, where he thanked the committee and pledged their readiness to turn over a new leaf and live better lives.
He also wished the Chief Judge success and elevation in her future endeavours.
Contributing to the effort, the state coordinator of the Public-Private Development Centre (PPDC), a social advocacy group known as “Know Your Rights,” Motunrayo Anibaba, revealed that her organisation paid the compensation fees for four inmates.
Anibaba stated that the group has set aside one million Naira specifically to offset fines imposed by the court on inmates involved in civil-related cases.
She commended Justice Abdulrahman and her team for undertaking the exercise and applauded the cordial working relationship between her organization and the judiciary.