Yobe Chief Judge pardons 7 inmates, grants bail to 14 others

The Chief Judge of Yobe, Justice Gumna Kaigama, has pardoned seven inmates at Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru correctional centres in Yobe.

Kaigama, who is also the Chairman, state Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, granted bail to 14 others when he toured the centres on Monday.

Speaking at the occasion in Potiskum, the chief judge said the gesture was aimed at decongesting correctional centres.

He said six of the inmates were discharged from Potiskum Medium Security Correctional Centre, while one inmate was discharged from Gashua Correctional Centre.

Kaigama assured the people  that he would continue to collaborate with the state Ministry  Justice, to enhance the welfare of inmates.

He charged judges and magistrates to be guided by the law when delivering their judgements.

In his remarks, Bala Kitsam, state Controller, Nigerian Correctional Service, commended the state government for its numerous supports to various custodial centres.

He, however, appealed to the government to renovate a dilapidated hostel at Gashua Custodial Centre.

Kitsam identified congestion as the major challenge at custodial centres across the state.

“ Potiskum Medium Security Custodial Centre with a capacity of 500 inmates, currently accommodates 786 inmates.

“ Gashua Custodial Centre with a capacity of 104 inmates, now has 259 inmates, while Nguru Custodial Centre with capacity of 93 inmates, currently accommodates 151 inmates,” he said.