Table of Contents
- Inmates Regain Freedom
- Landmark Judgment
- Lawyer's Intervention
- Details of the Judgment
- Reactions from Human Rights Advocates
- Statements from Freed Inmates
Thirteen male inmates who had been unlawfully detained for periods ranging from one to six years without trial have regained their freedom.
This follows a landmark ruling by the Federal High Court in Jalingo, delivered on Monday.
The inmates, who expressed immense joy as they emerged from detention, were released thanks to the efforts of human rights lawyer, Barrister John Okezie, who represented them pro bono.
Okezie, as reported by our correspondent, had filed individual fundamental rights enforcement suits against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), challenging their unlawful detention.
In his judgment, Justice Maskur Salisu characterized the prolonged incarceration of the men as a blatant violation of their constitutional rights.
He ordered their immediate release and awarded a total of N48 million in damages against the security agencies.
“The extended detention of citizens without trial is not only unconstitutional but also an affront to human dignity,” Justice Salisu stated.
He further cautioned that law enforcement agencies must operate strictly within the confines of the law and respect the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The court determined that the detainees had been held in various facilities across the state for years without being charged in court.
In each instance, Justice Salisu ruled that their rights to liberty and fair hearing had been severely violated, condemning the actions of the security agencies as “reprehensible and unlawful.”
The judgment was officially enforced on November 3, 2025.
Human rights advocates, who spoke with our correspondent, praised the ruling as a significant milestone for civil liberties and a strong statement against arbitrary detention in Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists, Barrister Okezie expressed that his motivation was to help reduce prison overcrowding and ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
“This was a pro bono effort aimed at ensuring that justice is not limited to those who can afford it,” he remarked.
He urged the freed individuals to make the most of their second chance and to avoid any behavior that could lead them back to prison.
Some of the released inmates, visibly emotional, expressed deep gratitude to Okezie for his intervention.
“We would still be languishing in jail if not for his assistance,” one of them stated, adding, “we’ve learned our lessons and will lead better lives.”
The ruling was widely celebrated as a victory for human rights and served as a powerful reminder of the judiciary’s crucial role in protecting citizens from abuses of power by law enforcement agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the release of the inmates?
The inmates were released following a landmark judgment by the Federal High Court, which found their prolonged detention without trial to be unlawful.
Who represented the inmates in court?
Barrister John Okezie represented the inmates pro bono, filing separate fundamental rights enforcement suits against the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.
What were the damages awarded by the court?
The court awarded a total of N48 million in damages against the security agencies for the unlawful detention of the inmates.
