The Federal High Court, Jalingo, has discharged and acquitted thirteen (13) inmates who have been in custody of the Taraba State Correctional Service from one to six years without trial.
The suspects, who regained their freedom on Monday, through the intervention of Human Rights lawyer, Barrister John Nkemnagum Okezie, said some of the inmates have been in detention at the prison facility without being charged to court.
Okezie, who filed a separate fundamental rights enforcement suits on their behalf against the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), represented them pro bono.
In his judgment, Justice Maskur Salisu condemned the prolonged detention of the inmates as a gross violation of their constitutional rights.
Justice Salisu, then ordered their immediate release and awarded a total of N48 million in damages to the freed persons.
“The prolonged detention of citizens without trial is not only unconstitutional but an affront to human dignity,” Justice Salisu declared.
“Law enforcement agencies must operate within the confines of the law and uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Justice Salisu found that the rights of each detainee to liberty and fair hearing had been violated, describing the actions of the security agencies as “reprehensible and unlawful.”
The court’s orders were officially enforced on November 3, 2025.
Human rights advocates have hailed the ruling as a major victory for civil liberties and a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the oppressed.
Speaking with journalists after the verdict, Barrister Okezie said his motivation was aimed at decongesting overcrowded prisons and ensure access to justice by all, regardless of financial means.
“This was a pro bono effort aimed at ensuring that justice is not reserved for only those who can afford it,” Okezie said.
He also urged the freed inmates to make good use of their second chance and avoid behaviors that could return them to prison.
“Some of the released men, visibly emotional, expressed profound gratitude to the lawyer for his intervention.
“We would still be rotting in jail if not for his help. We’ve learned our lessons and will strive to live better lives.”
The judgment is being celebrated across legal and human rights circles as a strong reminder of the judiciary’s constitutional duty to safeguard citizens’ freedoms and hold law enforcement agencies accountable for abuses of power.
