Gombe CJ frees 84 inmates

The Gombe State Criminal Justice and Inquiry Committee under the state Chief Judge, Halima Mohammed, on Monday, released no fewer than 84 inmates from the Gombe, Billiri, Bajoga and, Nafada custodial centres.

Report has it that 75 of the inmates were released from Gombe centre, while four were freed in Billiri, Bajoga four, and Nafada one.

During the exercise, Mohammed noted that the programme would help in controlling overpopulation across the centres.

She said, “Gombe custodial centre 75 inmates were released, Billiri released four, Bajoga four, Nafada one who were granted freedom on compassionate ground.

“The total in all is 84 inmates across the Custodial centres in the state.”

Continuing, the Chief Judge added, “This exercise will afford us the opportunity to decongest the prisons. Give a chance to those whose cases and judgments have been reviewed.”

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She advised the beneficiaries to turn a new leaf, saying, “It won’t be good to be back here for any reason. You are expected to utilise this chance to impact your communities and the state as a whole.”

On his part, the Deputy Controller of Corrections, Victor Odafen, commended the foresight of the committee, saying that it would go a long way in ensuring that the other convicts get adequate attention.

Odafen said, “On behalf of the controller and officers, we want to thank the committee for coming. You (committee) have lightened our burden.”

Speaking further, the Head of the Gombe Custodial Centre also hailed the Director of Public Prosecution for making the work of the committee seamless while urging for reprieve.

“You are an encyclopedia of cases. Any of our shortcomings will be corrected,” he added.