The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, has granted bail and ordered the release of 86 inmates from the Enugu Custodial Centre during the 2025 jail delivery exercise held on Thursday in Enugu.
Among those freed was an 86-year-old man from Okpanku in Aninri Local Government Area, who regained freedom on health and humanitarian grounds.
Justice Ozoemena described the jail delivery initiative as a “sacred judicial responsibility” aimed at upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights of citizens awaiting trial.
“This is a statutory duty imposed on every Chief Judge to ensure that inmates whose trials have been delayed are not unjustly deprived of liberty. It is a sacred obligation to protect the constitutional rights of every citizen and ensure that justice is both fair and timely,”
he said.
The Chief Judge explained that the exercise allows the judiciary to review cases stalled due to procedural delays or administrative bottlenecks, ensuring that those who have overstayed in custody without trial get a fair hearing.
He lauded his predecessors for sustaining the tradition of periodic jail delivery, noting that it helps maintain public confidence in the justice system.
Justice Ozoemena also commended the Enugu State Government for its continued support to the judiciary, particularly in providing financial and logistical assistance for the 2025 exercise.
“The government’s support has made it possible for us to carry out this constitutional duty effectively. The judiciary remains committed to ensuring that justice is accessible, fair, and humane, especially for the poor and vulnerable,”
he added.
The Controller of Enugu Custodial Centre, Mr. Valins Obizue, expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge and the state government for their intervention, describing the initiative as a significant step toward decongesting custodial facilities and promoting rehabilitation.
He appealed for the exercise to be extended to other correctional centres in Nsukka and Oji River, where many inmates still await trial.
The event was attended by judges, officials from the Ministry of Justice, representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, members of the Nigerian Bar Association, and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
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