The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, has ordered the release of 35 inmates from custodial centres in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and safeguard the rights of detainees.
Justice Baba-Yusuf granted the discharge during an official visit on Tuesday to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Keffi, an exercise facilitated by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), a non-governmental organisation advocating for justice sector reforms.
Of those freed, 33 were men and two women. Among them was Mohammed Abdullahi, who had spent a full year in custody without appearing before any court of law.
Justice Baba-Yusuf’s Remarks
Addressing journalists after the exercise, the Chief Judge said the visit was to ensure that individuals unlawfully detained or held without trial were not left to languish in custody.
“Today, we have set free 35 people who have no business being here, and that is a huge boost. This exercise will continue as a routine to make sure that people are not allowed to suffer unnecessarily in custody when they should not be here,” Baba-Yusuf stated.
He further explained that those released included detainees with health challenges, inmates detained without genuine charges, and others whose prolonged incarceration was unjustifiable.
The Chief Judge assured remaining inmates facing delays that their cases would be prioritised, with new dates already assigned for pending hearings. He also directed magistrates in the FCT to strengthen oversight and improve case management strategies to ensure speedy trials.
NGO, Lawyers Laud Exercise
Cynthia Onyeka, Programs Officer at PPDC, commended the Chief Judge for personally intervening in decongesting correctional centres.
She stressed that Nigeria’s high rate of pre-trial detentions contributes to overcrowded facilities nationwide.
“We supported this exercise because we want a fair and transparent justice system where vulnerable Nigerians, especially those who cannot afford legal representation, can access justice. Today, PPDC paid fines worth ₦1.5 million to secure the release of some inmates,” Onyeka disclosed.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja Branch, also applauded the gesture. Chairperson Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge and NGOs, noting that women often remain incarcerated due to their inability to pay fines or compensatory orders.
Facility Overstretch and Plea for Support
The Officer in Charge of Keffi Custodial Centre, Sumaila Bulus, revealed that the facility currently holds 667 inmates, far above its manageable capacity. While welcoming the intervention, he appealed for improved logistics, particularly vehicles for transporting inmates to courts in the FCT, as the two available vehicles were no longer sufficient.
Background of Security Concerns
The intervention comes weeks after the Keffi custodial facility suffered a security breach. On August 12, 2025, 16 inmates escaped after overpowering guards and injuring five officers. Seven of the escapees have since been recaptured, while nine remain at large.
The Nigerian Correctional Service confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fugitives, while the injured officers are receiving treatment in a government hospital.
With the latest releases, authorities and stakeholders hope the exercise will ease congestion, reduce tension in facilities, and advance reforms in Nigeria’s overstretched justice system.
