The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has granted prerogative of mercy to 13 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, as part of the ongoing efforts to decongest custodial facilities and promote justice.

In the course of the exercise, Justice Abdulmalik and her judicial team, reviewed the cases of awaiting trial inmates and those eligible for consideration.

Out of the 55 cases handled, 13 inmates were granted freedom, including 3 who were discharged and acquitted, 1 who was granted bail, and 9 who were released based on exemplary good behaviour and conduct, with directives to pay compensations.

Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, in her remarks, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for the ongoing partnership in the justice administration process, adding that the Ministry is not just decongesting facilities, but restoring lives, upholding the rule of law, and preparing reformed citizens to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Chief Judge of Niger State urged all stakeholders to continue working together to accelerate justice delivery.

The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Christopher Peter Jen, highlighted various rehabilitation programs underway across facilities under his command, including the Suleja centre.

The programs, such as vocational skills training and moral instruction, according to him, were designed to ensure the successful reintegration of inmates into society.

The Officer-in-Charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Sunday Ejeh, expressed immense joy and relief at the releases, noting that it would inspire hope among the remaining inmates and alleviate population pressures in the facility.

A key highlight of the event was the Chief Judge’s tour of the vocational training centre, where she and her entourage observed inmates actively engaged in skills acquisition programs such as tailoring, shoemaking, bag making, bead making, and cosmetics.