Two Chadians, Musa Abubakar, Yusuf Aliu and 16 other inmates were released across Lagos State on Tuesday during the 2026 decongestion of the custodial centres exercise.
The exercise forms part of the Lagos State Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to decongest correctional facilities while ensuring that releases are carried out strictly in accordance with the law and with due regard to the safety of society.
The inmates breathed the air of freedom when they were released by the Lagos State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba at the Samuel Ilori Courthouse in Ogba under a special session organised for the release of eligible inmates.
The Chief judge admonished those approved for release to change.
“This is an opportunity for you to change because you will not be this lucky next time if you commit another offence,” Justice Alogba said.
According to him, those approved for release were eligible, among which were the two Chadians ordered to be handed over to the Lagos State Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service Lagos Command for immediate deportation to Chad, due to the nature of their offences.
“Deport two Chadians” – Lagos CJ
According to Abubakar who made the list of those released narrated that he had been in custody since 2018 without a court appearance while he admitted armed robbery using a knife on his victim.
When asked if any of his relative was present in court, Abubakar said none was in present but claimed that he lived around Ago Palace Way and could find his way home.
Justice Alogba declined his request and insisted on his deportation.
“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,” the Chief judge ruled.
On his part, Aliu admitted to have stolen money from his victim but denied using a knife or gun in the act.
A caterer, Nneka Ogumu, admitted before Justice Alogba that she diverted N7 million paid to her for a catering job, believing she could use it for a fast business that later failed. She pleaded for mercy, saying she had changed.
Another beneficiary, identified as Favour, who was charged with stealing N6 million, said it was N2 million she took and used to care for her sick mother. She pleaded, “I am sorry sir, I won’t do it again,” and the Chief Judge responded, “I warn you, turn a new leaf, because you won’t be this lucky next time.”
Maria Okafor, who admitted stealing jewellery from her employer told the court she had been in custody since 2023, but was also released.
Before her release, Faith Monday said she had been in custody since 2023 for stealing, she however told the court she would return to her village in Ogoja, Cross-River State, adding that the item she stole had been recovered by the police.
Among other beneficiaries was Mamud Mohammed, 36, who hailed Niger State, who had been in custody since 2016 for stealing.
Abiodun Adegboyega admitted to ‘One Chance’ act, and told the court he developed tuberculosis while in custody.
He pleaded, “I am sorry Sir. It won’t happen again.”
Then, Justice Alogba announced his release this way, “Abbey Adegboyega is hereby released.”
A-73-year-old man, Rabiu Mohammed, from Kaduna State, charged with defilement of a seven-year-old boy, was also released after consideration of his circumstances.
But several other inmates were unable to benefit from the decongestion exercise as they were denied release after the Chief Judge reviewed their cases.
They include Michael Okoro, charged with armed robbery; John Anam, charged with defilement of his neighbour’s five-year-old daughter; Adisa Musa, accused of defiling a six-year-old; Adepoju Olamide, 57, charged with rape of a 13-year-old girl whose case is still pending before Justice Abiola Soladoye; Michael Samuel, accused of unlawfully killing a person; Itoro Sunday, 50, charged with raping a five-year-old girl; and Adewale Durodola, charged with defilement.
Others are Itoro Sunday, accused of raping a child, who Justice Alogba told he could not be released because of the nature of his charge.
According to Justice Alogba, “I cannot release you today because she is a young child you raped. It is a serious offence. I can’t release you.”
Other inmates released during the exercise included Azeez Dauda, accused of stealing a phone while armed with a dagger; Garuba Yaro; Waidi Ajala and Hadi Isa.
But Sodiq Oloyede and Idowu Sanni were returned to custody.
Speaking earlier, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Lagos State Command, Mr. Daramola George remarked that custodial centres in the state currently hold more than 8,000 inmates despite having a combined capacity of fewer than 4,000.
George noted the need for such exercise as a critical step towards justice, compassion, and humane treatment of persons in custody.
“Overcrowding has been a persistent issue, impacting not only the safety of staff and inmates, but also the prospect of successful rehabilitation,” he said.
He added that the event is a testament to addressing the challenges.
He applauded the Lagos State Government and the judiciary for what he described as a careful and humane review of cases, noting that the exercise prioritised both the health of the correctional system and the well-being of inmates, especially those who are critically ill.
“The state government, in collaboration with the judiciary, has demonstrated a commendable commitment to reform and effective management of our correctional system by carefully examining cases while prioritising fairness, mercy, and dignity,” George said.
In total, four females and 14 males were released from Borstal Home, Adigbe, female correctional centre, medium and maximum security custodial centres across Lagos, after they were found to have met the requirements for release during the exercise.
