The Honourable Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf conducted an official visit to the Keffi Maximum Security Correctional Centre on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 and 35 inmates were freed, receiving an opportunity for reintegration into society. This visit was part of ongoing measures aimed at decongesting correctional facilities within the FCT jurisdiction.
During the visit, the Chief Judge reviewed cases involving both awaiting trial inmates and convicted persons with outstanding fines or compensation obligations, with the intention of granting relief where justice warranted.
This exercise, now routine, involved cooperation between the FCT Judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Abuja Branch’s Human Rights Committee led by Mr. Tony Idoko, and various civil society organizations. A notable moment was the case of a female inmate previously incarcerated at the Old Correctional Centre in Keffi, detained over a ₦1,300,000 repayment she was unable to make. The NBA Human Rights Committee pledged ₦100,000 towards settling this debt, and with contributions from other organizations and individuals, the full amount was raised, enabling her release.
Similarly, Mr. Vincent Adodo, speaking for the Committee, appealed for a change in the Magistrate Courts’ sitting hours in life camp to between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. This adjustment aims to better facilitate court appearances for inmates, who often face logistical issues due to limited transportation resources from the Correctional Centre.
The centre currently operates with only two vehicles for transporting inmates, causing frequent trial delays.The Chief Judge discussed these concerns with the Controller of Corrections and the Keffi Correctional Centre’s Officer in charge, directing immediate repairs to the vehicles and urging improved logistics.
During the visit, the Human Rights Committee also strengthened ties with the Keffi Correctional Centre’s Human Rights Desk, reaffirming their commitment to justice and inmate welfare. Among the members of the Human Rights Committee who participated included Mr. Tony Idoko (Chairman), Ms. June Etim Idang, Mr. Vincent Adodo, Mrs. Suzan Mshelbwala, Mr. Ochili Michael, Ms. Ogechekwu Maureen, Ms. Amarachi Onwu, and Ms. Miriam Egbuche.
