The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, on Tuesday reviewed 35 cases involving inmates awaiting trial at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Wukari as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and ensure speedy justice.
The exercise, he said, formed part of the ongoing jail delivery programme of the Taraba State Judiciary aimed at addressing the growing number of inmates awaiting trial across custodial centres in the state.
Out of the 35 cases reviewed during the exercise, 13 were pending before the High Court, while the remaining 22 were cases before lower courts.
Speaking during the exercise, Justice Agya said the administration of justice does not end in the courtroom but extends to safeguarding the rights of individuals within the criminal justice system.
According to him, it is important to ensure that no individual is deprived of liberty unjustly or held in custody longer than permitted by law.
“Jail delivery exercises such as this serve as an important mechanism for reviewing the cases of inmates, particularly those awaiting trial, with the aim of decongesting custodial facilities and ensuring that justice is both done and seen to be done,” he said.
He explained that the exercise is part of broader efforts by the Taraba State Judiciary, working with other stakeholders in the criminal justice system, to tackle the persistent challenge of overcrowding in custodial centres and improve efficiency in handling cases.
Agya noted that many custodial centres across the country, including the facility in Wukari, continue to house a significant number of inmates awaiting trial, some of whom have remained in custody for periods longer than what fairness and justice would ordinarily permit.
“This reality underscores the need for closer collaboration among all stakeholders in the criminal justice system, including the Judiciary, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the Police, the Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Council,” he said.
The chief judge also commended Governor Agbu Kefas for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening the justice system in Taraba State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state judiciary to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that courts remain instruments of fairness, equity and the rule of law.
Justice Agya further advised magistrates to prioritise restorative justice over retributive justice by adopting non-custodial sentencing options where necessary.
Earlier, the Controller of Corrections in the Taraba State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Francis John, commended the judiciary for conducting the jail delivery exercise.
He also appreciated the chief judge for a similar exercise earlier carried out at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Jalingo, noting that such interventions provide relief for inmates and help reduce congestion in custodial facilities.
“Your Lordship’s intervention demonstrates the critical role of the judiciary in ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done, especially for those who may have remained in custody longer than necessary,” he said.
John added that the exercise reflected the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and compassion, particularly in ensuring that economic hardship does not unnecessarily prolong the incarceration of deserving individuals.
Eight inmates were discharged after their cases were reviewed, while several others were granted bail.
Taraba Chief Judge reviews 35 inmate cases in Wukari jail delivery exercise
