Niger chief judge frowns at number of awaiting trial inmates
The Chief Judge of Niger state, Justice Aliyu Mayaki, has frowned at the figure of 2,006 awaiting trial inmates at the correctional centres in the state due to lack of synergy between the ministry of justice and police.
He expressed his displeasure on Monday when he visited the Old Correctional Centre, Minna for his annual decongestion programme, noting that any inmate without proper records or credible evidence against them will be set free.
Justice Mayaki explained that the centre should be to reformation of inmates to live a better life, therefore, the synergy between the ministry and the police will ensure the quick dispensation of justice.
He hinted that dumping suspects in the custody over mere allegations was unacceptable and called for attitudinal change by authorities to suit the federal government’s policy on correctional centres.
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At the time of the visit, the centre had 263 inmates awaiting trial and 92 convicted inmates, with some inmates having been in custody for over six years awaiting trial.
Director of Public Prosecution in the state, Moses Chiroma decried the non- release of overhead cost to the ministry to carry out its functions effectively, especially on case transfers and other mandates.
The chief judge however, urged the ministry to formally write its request for funds to ensure cases are heard on time, as it is unlawful to continue to detain inmates without trial and over- crowding the facility.
