By Peter Omopo
September 5, 2025
The Chief Judge of Kano State, Justice Dije Abdu-Aboki, has ordered the release of six inmates who had been in custody for several years without prosecution.
The decision was announced on Friday in a statement by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano Command, Musbahu Lawan.
Justice Abdu-Aboki granted the release during her official inspection visit to correctional facilities across the state, citing missing case files, absence of active prosecution, and prolonged delays in legal proceedings as reasons for her intervention.
“This action reflects my commitment to reform and improve the administration of justice in Kano State,” she said, urging closer collaboration among the judiciary, the police, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Correctional Service to reduce cases of prolonged pre-trial detention.
She further advised the released inmates to “become good ambassadors of society, desist from crime, and contribute positively to their communities.”
Controller of Corrections in Kano, Ado Inuwa, also cautioned the freed inmates to obey the law and avoid acts that could return them to prison. He praised the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Indidi-Nwakuche, for strengthening inmates’ rehabilitation through skills acquisition and education.
Nigeria’s justice system has long been plagued by prolonged pre-trial detention, with over 70 per cent of inmates nationwide classified as awaiting-trial prisoners. Rights groups have consistently raised concerns about overcrowding, poor prison conditions, and systemic delays that leave thousands of citizens languishing in custody without trial.
