Kogi Chief Judge Frees 10 Inmates, Suspends Court Registrar

The chief judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has ordered the release of 10 awaiting-trial inmates at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest correctional facilities and ensure timely administration of justice.

The prison visit, which commenced on Monday and will end today, is aimed at reviewing cases of inmates who have remained in custody for extended periods without trial.

In addition to the releases, five inmates were transferred to other correctional centres within the state to facilitate the speedy prosecution of their cases.

During the exercise, Justice Majebi described the initiative as part of the judiciary’s commitment to preventing unnecessary delays in the justice system and protecting the rights of detainees.

The chief judge also warned magistrates against excessive adjournments, directing that criminal matters should not be adjourned more than twice.

In a related development, the chief judge ordered the suspension of a registrar attached to Chief Magistrate Court I, Lokoja, over the disappearance of a case file involving Abdulrazak Adama, a suspect facing charges of conspiracy and theft.

The registrar will remain on suspension pending the recovery of the missing file.

The Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, has a capacity of 320 inmates. At the time of the visit, the facility housed 54 convicted inmates, 62 awaiting-trial inmates, six inmates on death row, and one serving a life sentence.

The exercise highlights the Kogi State Judiciary’s renewed commitment to justice sector reforms, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights.