The Lagos State Government has deported two citizens of Chad and released 16 inmates as part of a major correctional centres decongestion exercise carried out across the state yesterday.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, said the exercise was conducted strictly according to the law, not based on sentiments or personal discretion.
Justice Alogba described the event as another epoch-making intervention, recalling that a similar jail delivery was last carried out two years ago. Addressing criticisms that Lagos does not conduct jail deliveries frequently, he clarified that the process is statutorily guided, not subject to convenience.
‘Jail Delivery Is Not a Father Christmas Exercise’
The Chief Judge emphasised that the decongestion exercise is strictly guided by statutory provisions and warned that any deviation could undermine its credibility and invite legal challenges.
“Our answer in Lagos State is that we do not do things on sentiments. We do things strictly in accordance with the law. Otherwise, the exercise will become useless and anybody can challenge it,” Alogba said.
He explained that the exercise is only undertaken when there is a reasonable number of qualified inmates, following a thorough review of records by a committee led by Hon. Justice Dada.
Eligibility for Release in Lagos Correctional Centres
Justice Alogba outlined the categories of inmates eligible for release, including:
Those convicted of misdemeanours or minor felonies who are nearing the completion of their sentences and have shown good behaviour.
Detainees who have spent such prolonged periods in custody that, even if convicted, they would have already served their sentences or are nearing completion.
He stressed that verifiable records remain the foundation of every decision and that no inmate can be released unless eligibility is clearly established. He cited a previous case in which a woman charged with murder, after 13 years in custody, was not released because her trial was still ongoing.
Overcrowding Persists, Law Must Guide Release
Justice Alogba acknowledged the overcrowding challenges in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, noting that many centres hold three to four times their intended capacity.
He stressed that the judiciary must operate within the confines of the law, despite public pressure, and described the exercise as a chance for released inmates to reintegrate into society and “go and sin no more.”
NCoS Highlights Challenges in Lagos Facilities
The Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Lagos State Command, Mr. Daramola George, described the exercise as a pivotal step toward justice, compassion, and humane treatment of inmates.
He revealed that Lagos custodial facilities currently hold over 8,000 inmates in centres designed for fewer than 4,000, stressing that overcrowding negatively affects the safety of staff and inmates and undermines rehabilitation efforts.
“This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Lagos State Government and the judiciary to confront congestion in correctional centres while prioritising fairness, mercy, and human dignity,” George said.
Civil Society Commends Chief Judge
Nathaniel Ngwu, Convener of the Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria, commended Justice Alogba for strictly adhering to the law. He explained that ongoing court proceedings were not interfered with, and only qualified inmates benefited from the exercise.
Also Read: Nigerian Brothers Jailed in U.S. Over Sextortion Scheme Linked to Teen’s Suicide
“Those whose cases were unclear or still pending were not released. Inmates who had spent years in custody without court proceedings and whose case files were untraceable were released,” Ngwu said.
Ngwu also urged inmates to follow up on their cases and encouraged authorities to ensure proper documentation to avoid judicial delays. He noted the exercise fully complies with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State.
