Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, has granted bail and ordered the release of 86 inmates from the Enugu Custodial Centre during the 2025 Jail Delivery Exercise. Among those freed was an 86-year-old man from Okpanku, Aninri Local Government Area, released on health and humanitarian grounds.
Speaking at the event, Justice Ozoemena described the exercise as a vital judicial duty to protect the rights of awaiting-trial inmates and ensure timely justice. He emphasized that it provides an opportunity to review delayed or stalled cases, preventing unjust deprivation of liberty.
The Chief Judge commended his predecessors, the judiciary, the Attorney-General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and custodial management for their continued support, and thanked the state governor for providing the financial and logistical backing needed for the exercise.
Mr. Valins Obizue, Controller of the Enugu Custodial Centre, praised the initiative as a key step in decongesting prisons and promoting rehabilitation, calling for its extension to other centres, including Nsukka and Oji River.
The event was attended by judges, justice officials, Nigerian Correctional Service representatives, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, and other stakeholders.
