By The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, on Tuesday reviewed 35 cases involving inmates awaiting trial at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Wukari as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and promote speedy dispensation of justice.
The exercise formed part of the Taraba State Judiciary’s ongoing jail delivery programme aimed at addressing the growing number of inmates awaiting trial across custodial centres in the state.
Out of the 35 cases reviewed during the exercise, 13 were pending before the High Court, while the remaining 22 were before lower courts.
Speaking during the exercise, Justice Agya said the administration of justice goes beyond courtroom proceedings and includes safeguarding the rights of individuals within the criminal justice system.
He stressed the need to ensure that no individual is unjustly deprived of liberty or kept in custody longer than permitted by law.
“Jail delivery exercises such as this serve as an important mechanism for reviewing the cases of inmates, particularly those awaiting trial, with the aim of decongesting custodial facilities and ensuring that justice is both done and seen to be done,” he said.
Agya explained that the exercise was part of broader efforts by the Taraba State Judiciary, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the criminal justice system, to address the persistent challenge of overcrowding in custodial centres and improve efficiency in the handling of cases.
He noted that many custodial centres across the country, including the facility in Wukari, still house a large number of inmates awaiting trial, some of whom have remained in custody for periods longer than what fairness and justice would ordinarily permit.
“This reality underscores the need for closer collaboration among all stakeholders in the criminal justice system, including the Judiciary, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Police, the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Council,” he said.
The Chief Judge also commended Governor Agbu Kefas for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening the justice system in Taraba State.
He reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that courts remain instruments of fairness, equity and the rule of law.
Justice Agya further advised magistrates to prioritise restorative justice over retributive justice by adopting non-custodial sentencing options where appropriate.
Earlier, the Controller of Corrections in Taraba State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis John, commended the judiciary for conducting the jail delivery exercise.
He also appreciated the Chief Judge for a similar exercise earlier carried out at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Jalingo, noting that such interventions provide relief for inmates and help reduce congestion in custodial facilities.
“Your Lordship’s intervention demonstrates the critical role of the judiciary in ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done, especially for those who may have remained in custody longer than necessary,” he said.
John added that the exercise reflected the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and compassion, particularly in ensuring that economic hardship does not unnecessarily prolong the incarceration of deserving individuals.
At the end of the exercise, eight inmates were discharged after their cases were reviewed, while several others were granted bail.
