The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, on Tuesday ordered the release of 18 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state and directed the deportation of two foreign nationals as part of the 2026 prison decongestion exercise.
The decision was taken during a special sitting of the Ogba Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, where the Chief Judge reviewed cases of inmates in custody under the supervision of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Justice Alogba approved the release of inmates drawn from the Borstal Home, Adigbe, the female correctional centre, as well as medium and maximum security custodial centres in Lagos State.
During the proceedings, the Chief Judge ordered that two Chadian nationals, Musa Abubakar and Yusuf Aliu, be released from custody but not allowed to remain in Nigeria due to the nature of their offences.
He directed that both men be handed over to the Lagos State Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service for immediate deportation to Chad.
Abubakar told the court that he had been in custody since 2018 without trial and admitted that he robbed his victim with a knife. When asked if he had any relative in court to receive him, he said none was present and requested to be allowed to return to his residence around Ago Palace Way in Lagos. The Chief Judge declined the request.
“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,” Justice Alogba ruled.
Aliu, the second Chadian national, admitted to stealing money from his victim but denied using any weapon. He was similarly ordered to be handed over to immigration authorities for deportation.
In total, 18 inmates, comprising four females and 14 males, were released after their cases were reviewed and found to meet the criteria for discharge.
Addressing the freed inmates, Justice Alogba urged them to seize the opportunity to reform and live within the law.
“This is an opportunity for you to change because you will not be this lucky next time if you commit another offence,” he warned.
Among the female beneficiaries was Nneka Ogumu, a caterer, who told the court that she diverted N7 million paid for a catering job in an attempt to invest in a fast-return business that failed. She pleaded for mercy, saying she had learnt from her mistake.
Another beneficiary, identified as Favour, who was charged with stealing N6 million, told the court that she took N2 million to care for her sick mother.
“I am sorry sir, I won’t do it again,” she pleaded, prompting a stern warning from the Chief Judge to turn a new leaf.
Maria Okafor, who had been in custody since 2023 for stealing jewellery from her employer, was also released. Faith Monday, held since 2023 for stealing, told the court she would return to her village in Ogoja, Cross River State, adding that the stolen item had already been recovered by the police.
Other beneficiaries included Mamud Mohammed, 36, from Niger State, who had been in custody since 2016 for stealing, and Abiodun Adegboyega, who informed the court that he developed tuberculosis while in custody. A 73-year-old man, Rabiu Mohammed, from Kaduna State, was also released after the court considered his age and condition.
However, Justice Alogba refused to grant release to several inmates charged with serious offences, including armed robbery, unlawful killing, rape, and defilement of minors. Addressing one of the cases involving the alleged rape of a child, the Chief Judge described the allegation as grave and ruled out any possibility of release.
The Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Lagos State Command, Mr Daramola George, disclosed that custodial centres in the state currently hold over 8,000 inmates despite a combined capacity of fewer than 4,000.
He described the decongestion exercise as an important step toward justice and humane treatment of persons in custody.
“Overcrowding has been a persistent issue, affecting not only the safety of staff and inmates but also the chances of proper rehabilitation,” George said, commending the judiciary and the Lagos State Government for what he described as a careful and compassionate review of cases.
