Enugu, Nigeria | October 25, 2025 — The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, has ordered the bail or discharge of 86 inmates of the Enugu Custodial Centre as part of the 2025 “jail delivery” exercise. Among those freed is an 86-year-old man from Okpanku in Aninri Local Government Area, granted bail on health and humanitarian grounds.
During the event held in Enugu on Thursday, Justice Ozoemena described the jail delivery as a “sacred judicial responsibility” designed to uphold the rights of those whose trials have been delayed. He emphasized that the exercise offers an opportunity for review of cases that may have stalled in the judicial system.
“This is a statutory duty imposed on the Chief Judge of every state to ensure that inmates at correctional centres are afforded the opportunity to have their cases reviewed where the wheel of justice has been slow,” Justice Ozoemena said. He added that the exercise is essential for maintaining public confidence in the justice system.
He acknowledged the support of the state government, court officers, the Attorney General’s office, and the management of the correctional facility in facilitating the bail and discharge process.
Mr. Valins Obizue, Controller of the Enugu Custodial Centre, lauded the initiative, noting that it contributes to reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities. He appealed that similar reviews be extended to other facilities such as those in Nsukka and Oji River, where many inmates remain on waiting-trial status.
The event was attended by judges, senior officials from the Ministry of Justice, representatives of the Nigerian Correctional Service, and members of the Nigerian Bar Association, among others.