In a move to ease overcrowding at the Nigeria Correctional Centres in Abakaliki and Afikpo, the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Elvis Ngene, has granted bail to 14 inmates during a prison decongestion exercise held last week.

 

Most of the inmates released had spent between 5 to 12 years or more behind bars for minor offences and even some capital offences, without any formal charges filed by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) before a competent court.

 

One particularly touching case involved a mentally ill man who had been locked up for eight years and ten months over an alleged murder charge, without any case officially filed against him. After observing his condition, Justice Ngene granted him bail in the sum of ₦100,000, with one adult surety in like sum. He also ordered that the man be taken to a psychiatric hospital for proper medical care.

 

Out of the 14 inmates:

• 5 were released from Afikpo Correctional Centre

• 9 were released from Abakaliki Correctional Centre

 

Justice Ngene expressed serious concern over the delays in justice delivery, urging all stakeholders in the justice system to take their responsibilities seriously and work towards speedy dispensation of justice in Ebonyi State.

 

“This is a normal exercise permitted by law,” he said. “From time to time, the state Chief Judge is empowered to release deserving inmates, either on bail or unconditionally. Not all cases fall within our jurisdiction, but we will continue this exercise.”

 

He also promised another round of decongestion by December, saying only inmates who truly deserve it will be considered.

 

This latest action is part of broader efforts to address the persistent problem of overpopulation and prolonged pre-trial detention in Nigerian prisons.