In a remarkable judicial intervention, a 70-year-old woman, Saraya Silma, has been released from the Yolde Pate Correctional Centre in Yola, Adamawa State, after spending 10 years awaiting trial.
Silma, who appeared frail, had been accused of witchcraft, a charge that was never substantiated.
The Adamawa State Chief Judge, Justice Hasfat Abdulrahaman, presided over the case as part of a jail delivery exercise.
After questioning Silma, the judge granted her freedom and personally provided her with N12,000 for transportation back to Cameroon.
“It’s a relief to see justice done for someone who has suffered so long without trial,” commented the Chief Judge.
The exercise, led by the Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee, saw 32 inmates discharged, 25 bailed, and 37 convicted from the 182 awaiting trial.
Some of those released were given non-custodial sentences, such as community service. The correctional centre, designed to house 800 inmates, currently holds 886.
Chief Judge Abdulrahaman urged the released inmates to see their freedom as a chance to rebuild their lives.
“This is a divine intervention. Make the most of this opportunity,” she cautioned.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dominic David expressed gratitude to the judge and her team, pledging to reform their ways.
“We are grateful and hopeful for a brighter future,” David affirmed.
