Yobe State Chief Judge pardons seven inmates, grants bail to 14 others

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

The pardons were issued during his visit to these facilities on Monday.

As the Chairman of the State Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, Justice Kaigama also granted bail to 14 other inmates during the tour.

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 of 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 of the Nigerian Correctional Service, commended the state government for its support 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.