The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi has ordered the release of 10 awaiting-trial inmates to tackle prolonged detention and custodial congestion at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe.
Justice Majebi released the inmates while conducting upon commencement of high-impact visit to custodial centres, aimed at reviewing cases of inmates languishing in custody without trial as five other inmates were transferred to other correctional facilities within the state to facilitate speedy prosecution.
The Chief Judge said the exercise was part of ongoing efforts by the judiciary to decongest custodial centres and ensure that justice is not delayed or denied to detainees unnecessarily held without trial.
Addressing inmates during the visit, he urged those awaiting trial to remain patient, assuring them that their cases would soon be concluded.
He, however, issued a stern warning to magistrates across the state against excessive adjournments, directing that criminal cases should not be adjourned more than twice.
The Chief also cautioned judicial officers against demanding money from suspects before granting bail, stressing that such acts undermine the integrity of the justice system.
Among those released were Suleiman Shuaibu and Isah Abdullahi, who were arrested on September 15, 2025, for alleged criminal conspiracy and kidnapping but discharged due to lack of evidence.
Similarly, Aliyu Umar and Muazu Usman, arrested on January 26, 2026, for kidnapping, were freed based on legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the state Ministry of Justice.
In a compassionate ruling, Musa Aliyu, also known as “Papa,” who had been in custody since September 2025 for alleged armed robbery and causing hurt, was granted pardon on health grounds to enable him receive urgent medical care.
Other inmates released included Abdullahi Yahaya, Adamu Abdullahi, Muhammed Muhammed, Usman Muhammed, and Zakari Suleiman, all discharged on the grounds of no prima facie case as advised by the DPP.
In a related development, Justice Majebi ordered the suspension of a registrar attached to Chief Magistrate Court 1, Lokoja, over the disappearance of a case file involving a suspect, Abdulrazak Adama, charged with conspiracy and theft. The registrar is to remain suspended until the file is recovered.
The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, has a capacity of 320 inmates. At the time of the Chief Judge’s visit, 54 inmates had been convicted, 62 were standing trial, six were on death row, while one inmate was serving a life sentence.
The Chief Judge averred that the exercise underscores the judiciary’s renewed commitment to justice reform, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
