In a landmark human rights victory, the Federal High Court, Jalingo, on Monday ordered the release of 13 male inmates who had been unlawfully detained for periods ranging from one to six years without trial.
Delivering judgment, Justice Maskur Salisu described their prolonged incarceration as a “flagrant violation of constitutional rights and an affront to human dignity.”
The ruling came after human rights lawyer, Barrister John Okezie, filed multiple fundamental rights enforcement suits against the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), representing the detainees pro bono.
Justice Salisu ordered the immediate release of the men and awarded ₦48 million in damages against the security agencies.
“The prolonged detention of citizens without trial is unconstitutional and reprehensible. Law enforcement must act within the law and respect citizens’ fundamental rights,” the judge ruled.
According to court findings, the detainees had been held in various facilities across Taraba State for years without being charged to court — a practice the court condemned as “unlawful and unacceptable.”
Human rights groups hailed the decision as a milestone judgment, reinforcing judicial protection against abuse of power.
Speaking after the ruling, Barrister Okezie said his motivation was to ensure justice for all Nigerians, regardless of their financial status.
“This was a pro bono effort aimed at ensuring justice isn’t reserved only for the wealthy. Every citizen deserves fairness and freedom,” he said.
He also urged the freed men to embrace a new chapter of their lives, adding that the case should serve as a lesson to law enforcement agencies on respecting the rule of law.
Some of the released inmates, visibly emotional, thanked Okezie for his intervention.
“We would still be rotting in jail if not for his help,” one said tearfully.
The judgment, officially enforced on November 3, 2025, has since been celebrated as a victory for human rights and the rule of law — a reminder that the judiciary remains a strong shield against unlawful detention in Nigeria.
