The Gombe State Criminal Justice and Inquiry Committee, under the state’s chief judge, Halima Mohammed, released 85 inmates from Gombe and Billiri custodial centres on Monday.

The release comes after the committee visited four custodial centres in the state between Tuesday and Friday to review the cases at the centres.

The centres are Gombe, Billiri, Cham and Tula.

Forty-two inmates were released unconditionally from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Gombe, while three were released from the custodial centre in Billiri.

Also, 38 inmates were released with conditions attached from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Gombe, and two were from the Billiri centre.

During the visits, the chief judge highlighted the committee’s efforts in decongesting the custodial centres and ensuring the welfare of inmates.

Ms Mohammed, also the committee chairperson, addressed inmates and explained that the committee’s mission was to review minor cases involving those awaiting trials.

She said the committee’s visit was to identify inmates eligible for bail or unconditional release, stating that those already convicted should be patient and serve their jail terms.

Ms Mohammed noted that only the governor holds the power to grant pardon based on good behaviour to those already convicted.

She urged the released inmates to turn a new leaf, saying, “It won’t be good to be back here for any reason.”

Salihu Abdullahi, the controller of corrections, Gombe State Command, said the initiative was timely, given the number of inmates at the centres.

Mr Abdullahi said the visit by the committee was important to the command, noting that it would give hope to the hopeless.

He added that the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Gombe, was built in 1919 to accommodate 379 inmates but now has 1,076 inmates.

He stated that out of the number, 628 were awaiting trials, 344 were convicted, and 101 were on death row.

He said the facility is congested, contrary to the Correctional Service Act of 2019.

In February 2025, at least 100 inmates across six custodial facilities in Gombe State were trained in various vocational skills to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Ms Mohammed initiated and supported the empowerment initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Services, Gombe State Command.

(NAN)