The Chief Judge of Ebonyi, Justice Elvis Ngene, on Wednesday granted freedom to four inmates during a jail delivery at the Abakaliki Custodial Centre.
Ngene said that 18 inmates’ cases were reviewed during the exercise, with four inmates discharged, seven remanded, and seven denied bail.
“The decision to release the inmates was based on the nature of their cases, allowing those eligible for bail to regain their freedom.
“There will be another opportunity to review inmates’ cases in December. Today, we reviewed 18 cases, discharged four inmates, denied bail to seven, and remanded the remaining seven,” he said.
The chief judge urged the released inmates to stay away from criminal activities that could return them to custody.
“For the seven inmates who were remanded, I urge them to use their time in custody for reflection, with the hope of their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into the society,” he said.
The Ebonyi Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Ben Odoh, commended the Chief Judge for carrying out the exercise, describing it as a step toward decongesting custodial centres.
“Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and the Release from Custody Act, 2024, the Chief Judge has the statutory power to conduct jail delivery at least once every year.
“The exercise enables the court to review the records of inmates, especially those held on minor offences or lingering charges, and grant bail where appropriate.
“A custodial centre is not a place of punishment but one of rehabilitation and reformation.
“The Chief Judge exercised his discretion with compassion while upholding the law.
“Those who regained their freedom should go and sin no more,” Odoh said.
One of the freed inmates, Femi Ajibola, who had been standing trial for alleged conspiracy and robbery, thanked the Chief Judge and the Attorney-General for granting him freedom.
The major offences involving the inmates included robbery, unlawful possession of firearms, internet fraud, and rape. (NAN)
