The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Josiah Majebi, has facilitated the release of 27 inmates from the six correctional facilities within the state who had been held due to their inability to pay fines and compensations.
The development was made possible through the efforts of the non-governmental organization “Victory Idewele Foundation,” which covered the fines and compensations for the inmates during Justice Majebi’s visit to the correctional centres from Monday to Wednesday.
At the Koton-Karfe Maximum Security Correctional Centre, two inmates were released: Mustapha Idris, who had a fine of ₦50,000, and Kehinde Amaka, who was sentenced to one year in prison with a fine of ₦300,000.
While Idris regained his freedom, Amaka will remain in custody until January 15, 2025, to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Additionally, at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kabba, 20 inmates were released, and another five inmates were freed in Ankpa.
Justice Majebi emphasized that the purpose of his visit was to ensure that no inmate is unjustly detained and urged magistrates to refrain from acting as instruments of oppression.
He expressed concern over the delays caused by some prosecutors, which result in awaiting trial inmates spending extended periods in custody.
While commending the effort of the Victory Idewele Foundation, the Chief Judge said, “This visit is special and unique because, in the history of the state, this type of additional event during correctional centre visits has never happened before.
“Prior to our preparation for this visit, the chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Halidu Adejo, introduced Mr. Innocent Idewele to me, stating that he wanted to pay the fines and compensations of inmates so they could regain their freedom.
“I discussed with officers in charge of the correctional centres in Ankpa, Dekina, Idah, Koton-Karfe, Kabba, and Okene, and the inmates in the category amounted to ten million naira, which the foundation paid to the Kogi State government.
“The foundation also provided transport fare to all the freed inmates with a promise to take them to Abuja to train them in skill acquisition, with the assurance that the foundation will provide them with accommodation, feeding, and starter packs at the end of the training exercise.”
The Chief Judge praised the chairman of Idah Local Government for his dedication to the custodial centre in the town and encouraged other local government chairmen to follow suit for the benefit of the state.
In his address, Innocent Idewele, the founder of the foundation, emphasized that the NGO is committed to transforming lives, particularly those of the underprivileged in society, and highlighted that the needs of citizens should not solely be the responsibility of the government.
