The Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima S. Mohammed, has reviewed 608 Awaiting Trial Persons across correctional facilities in the state, in an effort to decongest overcrowded centers and ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
The three-day exercise commenced on August 3, 2026, and concluded on August 5, 2026. It covered the Medium Security Custodial Centres (MSCC) in Gombe, Billiri, Tula, Cham, Bajoga, and Nafada respectively.
The exercise was conducted pursuant to Section 1 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Gombe State, which empowers the Chief Judge to inspect correctional facilities and review the cases of awaiting trial persons.
In her opening remarks, the Chief Judge addressed both staff and inmates, stating that the exercise reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and reducing congestion in correctional facilities across the state.
She further emphasized that “justice delayed is justice denied,” and that the exercise was intended to give hope to the hopeless and ensure that no individual remains in detention longer than permitted by law.
At the end of the review, the Chief Judge ordered the release of 79 inmates as follows: 41 inmates were granted conditional bail, while 38 inmates were granted unconditional release. The releases were based on grounds including health conditions, old age, and prolonged detention without trial.
In his welcome address, the Controller of Corrections, Gombe State Command, Agada Felix Audu, commended the Gombe State Government and the Honorable Chief Judge for the initiative.
He noted that the exercise would go a long way in restoring hope, redefining inmates’ mindsets, and promoting a sense of belonging, reformation, and proper reintegration.
He urged the inmates to be of good conduct and become responsible citizens. He also charged staff to remain professional, disciplined, dedicated, and to treat inmates with respect and human dignity.
In her concluding remarks, the Chief Judge urged all inmates to be law-abiding and obedient to constituted authorities. She also advised the released inmates to regard their freedom as an act of God and to stay away from crime.
The Chief Judge expressed appreciation to Controller Agada for the seamless and proper hosting throughout the exercise, and to the members of the Criminal Justice Committee. She also commended the facility managers for maintaining clean and orderly centers.
In attendance were: Honorable High Court Judges, the Director of Public Prosecutions, representatives of the Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Bar Association, Magistrates, State Counsels, Prosecutors, and other stakeholders.
Signed,
SC A. A. Hamma
Command Public Relations Officer
