Niger State Chief Judge Frees 13 Inmates in Suleja Jail Delivery Exercise

The Chief Judge of Niger State, Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has granted freedom to 13 inmates during a jail delivery exercise at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja.
The exercise, conducted on March 2, 2026, involved the review of 55 cases as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and fast-track justice delivery. Of the 13 inmates released, three were discharged and acquitted, one was granted bail, while nine regained freedom based on good conduct, with orders to pay compensation where necessary.
Speaking during the exercise, the Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, commended the Chief Judge for the initiative. He outlined ongoing rehabilitation programmes across facilities under his command, including vocational training and moral instruction aimed at preparing inmates for reintegration into society. He assured that those released would be supported with necessary skills to prevent reoffending.
Justice Abdulmalik, in her remarks, praised the Nigerian Correctional Service for its collaboration in the justice administration process, noting that the exercise reflects a shared commitment to ensuring no one is unjustly held in custody. She urged stakeholders to sustain efforts to accelerate justice delivery and uphold the rule of law.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Suleja custodial centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections Sunday Ejeh, described the development as encouraging, saying the releases would ease congestion and inspire hope among inmates. He appealed for more visits to further support decongestion and rehabilitation efforts.
The Chief Judge also toured the facility’s vocational training centre, where inmates were engaged in tailoring, shoemaking, bag making, bead making and cosmetics production, underscoring ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening rehabilitation within the correctional system.
The statement was signed by DSC AS Duza, Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command.