93 Inmates regain freedom in Gombe
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Acting Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, has pardoned 93 inmates across correctional centres in the state.
The list includes; 63 inmates from Gombe custodial , 15 inmates from Billiri medium custodial centres and 15 juvenile from remand home, whom were also supported with transportation fares to their various destinations.
Pindiga who is also the chairman of the state criminal justice committee, urged the police to fasten investigations in 741 identified suspects in order to file their cases in the appropriate courts.
Amongst the 93 inmates released was one Haruna Madori from Hadeja, Jigawa who was jailed following his inability to complete payment of #245,000 but was able to raise #57,000 with a balance of #188,000 as the chief judge declared that government has completed the payment.
Pindiga said, “The Gombe state Criminal Justice Committee is concerned with decongesting prisons in the state by reviewing the cases of inmates due to ailment, or detention for periods longer than the sentences of the crimes, for which they are held which commenced from March 17th-22nd, 2021.
“The committee has also interviewed 741 suspects awaiting trial in custodial centres across Gombe, Tula, Billiri. The inmates include 10 female and 11 juveniles at the remand home with a view to determining cases in line with the powers vested in the Criminal Justice Committee by the special provision Act.
“However, 63 inmates Gombe custodial, 15 inmates from Billiri and 15 juveniles making a total of 93 have been released.”
While appealing to the security operatives to expedite actions towards ending prolonged stay of suspects, the chief judge added, “Suspects must be taken to courts unfailingly the date their cases are fixed for hearing. I wish to call on the Director of Public Prosecution to prevail on state counsels, handling cases of some suspects and to always give their legal advice in time as this will expedite dispensation of justice.”
Also, Assistant Controller Gombe Medium Custodial centre, Abdulaziz Jibia appealed to the state governor Muhammadu Yahaya to assist the centre with additional accommodation, as well as solar powered bore hole to provide inmates with regular water supply.
On his part, Deputy Controller Billiri Custodial centre Christopher Jen, revealed that over 339 inmates have been empowered in the past 3 years.
He said, “The purpose of the training was to change their attitude and to empower them in line with correctional service on Reformation, rehabilitation and re-integration. I wish to appeal to the governor to support us boost the skill acquisition centre with Sawing machine, hammer, nails, Pieces of wood and so on.”
