Relief For Adamawa Inmates As Court Grants Bail To 26, Discharges 51 Others

The Adamawa State Government has discharged 51 inmates as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities across the state.

The Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee carried out the exercise on Wednesday at the Yola Old Correctional Centre in Yola South Local Government Area, focusing mainly on inmates serving minor sentences and those experiencing health challenges.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the committee also reviewed the cases of several inmates who had spent extended periods awaiting trial. During the exercise, 39 inmates were tried, while 26 others were granted bail after their cases were considered.

In addition, the committee reviewed the sentences of 21 inmates serving various prison terms as part of its efforts to address delays and ensure that eligible detainees received appropriate legal consideration.

The exercise was supervised by the committee’s chairperson, the Adamawa State Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahaman.

Speaking after the proceedings, Justice Abdulrahaman urged the released inmates to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid any behaviour that could lead them back into trouble with the law.

She warned that the committee might not extend similar leniency to anyone who returned to criminal activities, was subsequently arrested and convicted of another offence.

The Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee comprises representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the State Area Court and the Legal Department of the Adamawa State Police Command.

Other members include the Director of Public Prosecutions in the state Ministry of Justice and the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, among other officials.

The exercise forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to decongest correctional facilities while ensuring that inmates receive timely attention to their cases.