The Chief Judge of Yobe State, Justice Gumna Kaigama, has taken significant steps to address overcrowding in the state’s correctional facilities. On Monday, during a tour of the Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru correctional centers, he pardoned seven inmates and granted bail to 14 others. This initiative aims to reduce congestion in these centers, which are currently operating beyond their capacities.
Specifically, Potiskum Medium Security Correctional Centre, designed for 500 inmates, is holding 786; Gashua Custodial Centre, with a capacity of 104, houses 259 inmates; and Nguru Custodial Centre, meant for 93 inmates, has 151.
Justice Kaigama emphasized that he would continue to work with the state Ministry of Justice to improve the conditions for inmates and urged judges and magistrates to adhere strictly to legal standards in their judgments. Bala Kitsam, the state Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, supported this effort and called for the renovation of a dilapidated hostel at Gashua Custodial Centre, highlighting the severe congestion issues facing the facilities.