Gombe CJ frees 182 inmates

The Criminal Justice Reform Committee in Gombe State has approved the release of 182 inmates across five custodial centres in the state.

Speaking on Thursday after a three-day working visit to the facilities, Gombe State Chief Judge, Halima Mohammed, explained that no fewer than 141 inmates were released from the Gombe Minimum Custodial Centre.

She disclosed that 41 others were released from the Billiri Custodial Centre, noting that they were set free after they were duly profiled and found to have exhibited good conduct.

Mohammed said, “We have found 45 inmates awaiting trial for minor offences. 85 others were released on bail. 11 others who were found to have good behaviour were also released. A total of 141 inmates were released from the Gombe Minimum Custodial Centre.

At the Billiri Custodial Centre, 10 inmates were released, 20 were released on bail, and 11 others were released because they were found to be of good behaviour, making a total of 41 inmates to be released from the Billiri Custodial Centre. At the end of the exercise, across five custodial centres in the state, a total of 182 inmates were released through the Criminal Justice Reform Committee.”

Mohammed commended officials of the Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service for their far-reaching efforts to support the inmates.

“55 inmates were released unconditionally, 105 were released on bail, and 22 inmates serving terms for various offences were released based on their good behaviour while serving their sentences.