The Criminal Justice Reform Committee, Gombe has approved the release of 182 inmates across five custodial centres in the state.
Speaking on Thursday after three days working visit to the facilities, Gombe State Chief Judge, Halima Mohammed, explained that no fewer than 141 inmates were released from Gombe Minimum Custodial centre.
She disclosed that 41 others were released from Billiri custodial centre, noting that they were set free after they were duly profiled and found to have exhibited good conduct.
Mohammed said, “We have found 45 inmates waiting trail those that have minor offences. 85 others were released on bail. 11 others were found of good behaviour were also released. A total of 141 inmates were released from the Gombe Minimum Custodial Centre.
“At the Billiri Custodial Centre, 10 inmates were released, 20 were released on bail, 11 other released because they were found to be of good behaviours. Making a total of 41 inmates to be released from Billiri custodial centre. At the end of the exercise, across five custodial centres in the state, a total 182 inmates were released through the Criminal Justice Reform Committee.”
While itemising the reasons for the selected persons on release, Mohammed commended officials Gombe State Command of Nigeria Correctional Service for their far-reaching efforts to supporting
“55 inmates were released unconditionally, 105 released on bail, while 22 inmates serving terms for various offences were released base on their good behaviour while serving their sentences.
“Criminal Justice Reform Committee wishes to commend officials of the Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service for keeping the inmates in good health condition and living under a clean environment and the effort they are putting to put them in good behaviour to become reasonable members of the society after serving respective terms,” Mohammed said.
She, urged the ex-inmates to be of good character, in order to benefit from the good gesture of the criminal justice reform committee, calling those awaiting trial to be patient and be of good behaviour while waiting for their sentencing by the courts.
“Criminal Justice Reform Committee commends the Gombe State Government for supporting the committee’s exercise, which is geared towards decongesting the custodial centres.”
On his part, Comptroller of the Gombe State Command of NCoS, Lawan Gusau, lauded the Chief Judge and the Criminal Justice Reform Committee, Gombe for approving the release of the 182 inmates.
“We are grateful for this exercise; and it is the first time a total of 182 inmates are being release because of the compassion and service delivery of Justice Halima Mohammed,” he said.
