Justice Joel Agya, Chief Judge of Taraba on Tuesday reviewed 35 cases mostly of awaiting trials pending at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) Wukari in Taraba.

While 13 cases reviewed by the chief judge were pending in the High Court, 22 cases at the lower courts.

Agya, while conducting the jail delivery exercise said the administration of justice does not end in the courtroom.

He noted that  it extended to ensuring that the rights of every person within the criminal justice system was protected so that no individual would be  deprived of liberty unjustly or for longer than the law permitted.

“Jail delivery exercises such as this, serves as an important mechanism for reviewing the cases of inmates, particularly those awaiting trial.

This is with the aim of decongesting custodial facilities and ensuring that justice is both done and seen to be done.

“This exercise forms part of the ongoing efforts by the Taraba Judiciary, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the criminal justice system, in order to address the persistent challenge of overcrowding in custodial centres.

“A significant number of inmates remain in custody while awaiting trial, sometimes for periods that exceed what justice and fairness would ordinarily permit.

“This reality underscores the need for closer collaboration among all criminal justice stakeholders, including the Judiciary, the Nigeria Correctional Service, the

Police, the Ministry of Justice, and the Legal Aid Council,” he said.

He commended Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba for supporting reforms in the state justice system.

The chief judge assured the people that Taraba Judiciary remained firmly committed to strengthening the administration of justice, protecting the rights of citizens, and ensuring that courts remained instruments of fairness, equity, and the rule of law.

He advised Magistrates to uphold restorative Justice by adopting non custodial sentencing above retributive justice.

 Earlier, Controller Francis John, Controller of Corrections, Taraba Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) commended the Judiciary for the jail delivery exercise.

John appreciated the chief judge for

the successful jail delivery exercise earlier carried out at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Jalingo.

He noted that the exercise brought great relief, not only to the affected inmates but also to the custodial facility itself, as it contributed significantly to the ongoing efforts to decongest the custodial centres.

“Your Lordship’s intervention once again demonstrates the critical role of the judiciary in ensuring that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done, especially for those who may have remained in custody longer than necessary.

“We look forward with optimism to Your Lordship’s return to address those cases, which will undoubtedly bring further relief to deserving inmates,” he added.

The Justice Agya Legal Initiative, a legal aid foundation paid the sum of N193,000 to free three inmates, who were held in remand for  their inability to meet up with their option of fines.

Stakeholders at the exercise included Judges of the Area Courts and Magistrates, representatives from the ministry of justice, Legal Aid Council, Officers of the NCS, the Police, the Nigerian Bar Association and the media.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has emphasized the importance of justice, ethical standards, and moral values in strengthening institutions, as he received a delegation from the National Judicial Institute (NJI) at the NIS office in Abuja.

Speaking during the courtesy visit led by the Administrator of the NJI, Hon.

Justice B.A. Adejumo, Shaibu said the visit went beyond a routine engagement, describing it as a valuable moment of learning and reflection for the institute.

According to a statement issued and signed by Ben Ogbemudia, Special Adviser on Media, Office of the Director General and Chief Executive officer,

National Institute said, the legal insights shared by the NJI Administrator offered important lessons for the NIS management and staff.

“Beyond a courtesy visit, I believe you have brought the court of justice closer to what we want to achieve in NIS, especially in terms of ethical and moral values. We have all learnt a lot from your speech. I took time to observe my staff and I could see how much they were learning from your wise legal counsel,” Shaibu said.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State also commended the contributions of Justice Adejumo to Nigeria’s jurisprudence, particularly the establishment and development of the National Industrial Court, which he described as a critical institution in resolving labour-related disputes in the country.

“As a comrade who has been involved in labour struggles, I know how important the Industrial Court has been in resolving disputes between workers and employers. For many of us who fought against oppression in different sectors, the Industrial Court was often the only place we could seek justice,” he noted.

The NIS Boss added that the court has helped in addressing numerous labour conflicts, thereby preventing situations that could have caused serious emotional and health challenges for many Nigerians.

He also advocated for greater inclusion of members of the public in litigation processes that affect them directly, noting that broader participation would strengthen justice delivery and public trust in the legal system.

According to the statement, the NIS DG further praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of fuel subsidy, saying the policy initially generated mixed reactions among labour activists and the general public.

“Many of us who are comrades initially had mixed feelings about the subsidy removal because we did not fully understand the implications. But at the time in Abuja, the naira had almost lost its value as people openly traded dollars on the streets. Young men were making huge profits from currency speculation without any legitimate businesses,” Shaibu said.

He noted that the policy had helped address certain economic distortions, adding that citizens should be encouraged to participate in legal processes that help protect national economic interests.

In his remarks, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice B.A. Adejumo, OFR, highlighted areas of possible collaboration between the NJI and the National Institute for Sports, particularly in capacity building and development initiatives.

Justice Adejumo proposed the development of sports programmes for NJI staff and community members, including the coaching of sportsmen and the provision of sporting equipment to support their training.

He also called for the creation of opportunities for NJI staff to benefit from specialized programmes offered by the National Institute for Sports.

According to him, the institute is accredited to run professional courses such as the National Diploma in Paramedic Technology and the National Diploma in Sports Coaching and Training, adding that scholarships for interested staff members would help build capacity and improve professional development.

“I believe these initiatives will align with NIS’ vision of restoring excellence, rebuilding capacity, and reclaiming Nigeria’s pride on the global sporting stage,” Justice Adejumo said.

He thanked the NIS Director General for granting the delegation audience despite his busy schedule and assured that the doors of the National Judicial Institute remain open for further collaboration between the two institutions.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau

The Zamfara media Advocacy platform (ZAMAP), has observed the political development surrounding the defection of the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, from People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group noted that as a media advocacy group committed to promoting constructive dialogue and democratic progress, it believes that the development presents certain potential advantages for governance and political stability in Zamfara State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesman of the group, Nasiru Shehu Aula Dabbakal and made available to newsmen in Gusau, the State capital.

According to the statement, one major advantage of the Governor’s move is the possibility of stronger cooperation between Zamfara State and Federal Government.

The group said that, with the Governor now aligned with the ruling party at the national level, there is greater potential for improved collaboration, easier access to federal support and accelerated implementation of development projects that can benefit the people of the state.

“Another potential benefit is the opportunity to reduce political friction that sometimes slows down governance. Political alignment across levels of government could create a more harmonious environment for policy implementation, enabling the State government to focus more effectively on critical issues such as security, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and economic growth”, he said.

“However, the defection could also encourage broader political unity and cooperation among leaders and stakeholders within Zamfara State. By bringing together diverse political interests under a longer platform, there may be greater room for consensus-building and collective efforts toward addressing the state’s long-standing challenges”

“In addition, with this political development, ZAMAP wishes Governor Dauda lawal Allah’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in steering Zamfara State toward greater progress and prosperity”

 “The platform also calls on the people of Zamfara State to view this defection as a decision necessitated by the governor’s commitment to advancing the interests of the state and its citizens”.