The chief judge of Lagos State, Kazeem Alogba, on Tuesday, ordered the release of 18 inmates and the deportation of two Chadians also released from custody.

The Chadians, Musa Abubakar and Yusuf Aliu, were released with others during the 2026 decongestion exercise of correctional facilities in the state.

The chief judge specifically directed that Messrs Abubakar and Aliu be handed over to the Lagos State controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service for immediate deportation to Chad, citing the nature of their offences.

Mr Alogba gave the order on Tuesday at the Ogba Magistrates’ Court shortly after approving their release from the Nigerian Correctional Service under a special session organised for the release of eligible inmates.

The two men were among 18 inmates released during the exercise, which drew beneficiaries from the Borstal Home, Adigbe; the female correctional centre; and medium and maximum security custodial centres across the state.

The chief judge held that the freed inmates had met the requirements for release.

While addressing the inmates who had regained their freedom, Mr Alogba said, “This is an opportunity for you to change because you will not be this lucky next time if you commit another offence.”

Earlier, Mr Abubakar told the court that he had been in custody since 2018 without being taken to court and admitted that he robbed his victim with a knife.

When asked whether any relatives were present in court, he said none were but added that he lived around Ago Palace Way in Lagos and knew his way home.

However, the chief judge rejected the request and insisted on his deportation.

“I want to release you, but I order that you should be deported back to Chad. I hereby release you to the Controller of Immigration, Lagos State, for immediate deportation,” Mr Alogba said.

Mr Aliu also admitted to stealing money from his victim but denied using a knife or gun in the act.

In total, four females and 14 males were released during the exercise, while several inmates were denied release after their cases were reviewed.

Earlier, the controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Lagos State command, Daramola George, disclosed that the state’s custodial centres currently hold more than 8,000 inmates despite having a combined capacity of less than 4,000.

(NAN)