The Gombe State Criminal Justice and Inquiry Committee under the state Chief Judge, Halima Mohammed, on Monday released no fewer than 85 inmates from Gombe and Billiri custodial centres.
Our correspondent reports that 45 were released from both centres without conditions, while 40 were freed with conditions.
Mohammed stated that the exercise would help in controlling overpopulation across the centres.
She said, “Number of unconditionally released inmates 42, while 38 were released conditionally at Gombe custodial centre.
“In Billiri number of unconditionally released three, number of conditionally released two.”
Continuing the Chief Judge of Gombe State added, “This exercise will afford us the opportunity to decongest the prisons. Give a chance to those whose matters and judgements have been reviewed.”
She urged the beneficiaries to turn a new leaf saying “It won’t be good to be back here for any reason. You are expected to utilise this chance to impact your communities, and the state as a whole.”
On his part, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Victor Odafen, lauded the foresight of the committee saying that it would go a long way in ensuring the rest get adequate attention.
Odafen said, “On behalf of the controller, and officers we want to thank the committee for coming. You (committee) has lightened our burden.”
Speaking further the head of the Gombe custodial centre, hailed the Director of Public Prosecution, for making the work of the committee seamless while urging for reprieve, “You are an encyclopedia of cases. Any of our shortcomings will be
corrected,” he added.
