This was disclosed in a statement released in Kano by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, Musbahu Lawan.

This move comes at a time when the Nigerian criminal justice system is going through challenges, particularly issues surrounding prolonged pre-trial detention and overcrowded correctional facilities.

According to Lawan, Abdu-Aboki granted the release during her official working visit to custodial facilities in the state.

Abdu-Aboki said that the release was made due to the absence of active prosecution, missing case files, and prolonged delays in their legal proceedings, adding that the action was in line with her commitment to reform.

The Chief Justice emphasized the need for a stronger collaboration among all stakeholders in the justice system, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the Attorney General of Kano, and the Nigerian Correctional Service, for timely justice dispensation.

She advised the released inmates to become good ambassadors of society, desist from crime, and contribute positively to their communities.

The Controller of Corrections, Kano State Command, Mr Ado Inuwa, also cautioned the freed inmates to abide by the law and refrain from any act that could return them to incarceration.

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Inuwa commended the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Indidi-Nwakuche, for his commitment to inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation through skills acquisition programmes and education aimed at making them self-reliant.

Nigeria’s criminal justice system has long struggled with pre-trial detention, where thousands of inmates remain in custody for months or even years without trial.

Source: Channels