On Tuesday, three prisoners from the Federal Prisons in Kabba, Kogi, who were awaiting trials were unconditionally released by Justice Josiah Majebi, the acting chief judge of Kogi State.
Peter Adeiza Onsachi, who was detained in Okene on reasonable suspicion of culpable homicide, causing a miscarriage, impersonation, and public nuisance, was also transferred to the Okene High Court for a trial, per Justice Majebi’s order.
Mustapha Ibrahim, charged with conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating, and intimidation, was among those released unconditionally, while Obeh Jamiu Ozovehe, arrested for culpable homicide, was released based on Ministry of Justice advice conveyed by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Idris Mohammed arrested for armed robbery was also granted unconditional release for lack of evidence to prosecute him in the law court.
The Acting Chief Judge, however, charged the released inmates to go home and exhibit good behaviour in their various communities.
He assured the remaining inmates whose cases were at various stages of trial that very soon, their cases would be reviewed and those who should not be in prison would be released.
The Acting Chief judge who advised all magistrates to ensure that they know of the cases they handled before the visit, also warned the officials of the correctional centre in Kogi State against keeping accused persons without proper authority to avoid legal action.
The Officer-in-Charge of the prison, Shuaibu Ishaku commended the Acting chief judge and judicial officers in Kabba for their efforts at decongesting the custodial centre.
He disclosed that Kabba correctional centre has a capacity of only 200 inmates but is currently accommodating 274 due to flooding that ravaged Koton-Karfe prison, noting that 65 inmates were convicted while 209 were awaiting trial in various courts.
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