Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto
The Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Bello Abbas, yesterday granted pardon to 28 awaiting -trial inmates at the Sokoto Central Prison.
Speaking with journalists shortly after granting pardon to the inmates, Abbas said the gesture was aimed at ensuring that suspects do not stay much longer than necessary while awaiting trail.
“Our aim is to see to the welfare of the inmates and ensure no one will stay longer than necessary, while awaiting trail before the various courts across the state.
“As such, the assignment we are embarking on is to ensure speedy clearance of all awaiting-trials suspects, while those who have over-stayed are discharged.
“This is in order to maintain the law as well as decongest the prison at the appropriate time of such needs,” he said.
The chief judge also promised that all the remaining awaiting- trial inmates will soon be tried, after liaising with all the courts and other related agencies.
At least there are 398 awaiting trial inmates in the prison standing trial before various courts across the state.
Most of the offences these inmates were being charged with include rape, sodomy, armed robbery, cattle rustling and homicide, among others.
