Justice Ishaq Bello, the FCT Chief Judge on Tuesday discharged eight inmates in the Kuje prison during his prison visitation.
The inmates were discharged based on various grounds including age and lack of diligent prosecution.
Mr Nicholas Ike 82, who was discharged on the ground of age, had been in prison with his junior brother for five years for criminal breach of trust.
“By the reason of age and having served five years conviction and the proceeds returned, you are hereby discharged.
“I will also refer the case of the second accused to the prerogative of mercy to look into,“ CJ said.
Three under age boys were also discharged, they are Ali Musa, 17, Abubakar Ismaila, 13, and Suleiman Dauda, 16.
“Under age persons should not be in prison, preliminary founding should be done to ascertain the age before sentencing,“ he warned.
Also discharged were 10 inmates whose fines were paid by some NGOs.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prison’s capacity is 560, now housing 818, with 238 convicted, while a total of 573 are awaiting trial.
Earlier, the chief judge formally commissioned Kuje High Court as head of Criminal Trial Division.
He said that this was because of its proximity to the prison, and that it could help to cushion the problem of logistics arising from distance.
He said that henceforth, the FCT courts would introduce the innovation of effective time management being practiced globally.
“Time will be allotted to cases to enhance justice delivery.
“ We must get out of the box, out of 40s and 50s; no judge has the court to himself and most of the criminal cases which can go for bail, henceforth will be taken here,“ he said.
He therefore implored the cooperation of other judges and all stakeholders, saying that with the setting up of the court, it would help in decongesting the prisons.
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