Kogi Chief Judge Frees 10 Inmates, Suspends Court Registrar During Prison Decongestion Exercise

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 is expected to conclude on Thursday, 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.

Speaking 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.

He urged inmates awaiting trial to remain patient, assuring them that efforts were being made to ensure the prompt determination of their cases.

The Chief Judge also warned magistrates against excessive adjournments, directing that criminal matters should not be adjourned more than twice. He further cautioned judicial officers against demanding money from suspects before granting bail, stressing that such practices undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

Among those released were Suleiman Shuaibu and Isah Abdullahi, who had been in custody since September 15, 2025, on allegations of criminal conspiracy and kidnapping. They were discharged due to lack of evidence.

Similarly, Aliyu Umar and Muazu Usman, arrested on January 26, 2026, for alleged kidnapping, regained their freedom following legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Kogi State Ministry of Justice.

Justice Majebi also granted pardon to Musa Aliyu, popularly known as “Papa,” who had been detained since September 2025 over allegations of armed robbery and causing bodily harm. He was released on health grounds to enable him receive urgent medical treatment.

Other inmates discharged during the exercise included Abdullahi Yahaya, Adamu Abdullahi, Muhammed Muhammed, Usman Muhammed, and Zakari Suleiman, all of whom were freed after the DPP found no prima facie case against them.

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.