A Federal High Court in Jalingo has freed 13 inmates who were held in the Taraba State Correctional Centre for between one and six years without trial.
Their release followed a lawsuit filed by human rights lawyer, Barrister John Nkemnagum Okezie, who represented them free of charge. He sued the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) for violating their fundamental rights.
In his ruling, Justice Maskur Salisu described the long detention of the inmates without trial as a gross violation of their constitutional rights.
“The prolonged detention of citizens without trial is not only unconstitutional but an affront to human dignity,” the judge declared.
He ordered their immediate release and awarded a total of ₦48m in damages to the 13 freed inmates.
The court officially enforced the order on November 3, 2025.
Justice Salisu further cautioned security agencies to operate within the confines of the law and uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Barrister Okezie told journalists that his motivation was to help decongest overcrowded prisons and ensure justice for the poor.
“This was a pro bono effort to make sure justice is not reserved for only those who can afford it,” he said.
