Sokoto Frees 78 Prison Inmates

Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Ministry of Justice Friday said no fewer than 78 prison inmates had been freed by the state government in the past two years.

Speaking at a press briefing in Sokoto, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Suleiman Usman, said this was part of government’s efforts to decongest the prisons in the state.

He stated that the present administration had taken measures to decongest the prisons by ensuring speedy trial of cases which were lingering in the courts.

“We have eliminated delay in prosecution of cases, reduce congestion of prison occasioned by large proportion of awaiting trial prisoners through revolutionary use of the governor’s power of prerogative of mercy and regular prison visit.

“Cases that are frivolous in nature and lack of evidence to prosecute were quashed by the Chief Judge of Sokoto,” he said.

Details later…