On the 23rd of September 2025, FIDA (NIG) Abuja Branch joined the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court on a visit to the Keffi Correctional Centre aimed at decongesting the facility. The event drew various stakeholders, including representatives from FIDA Abuja Branch, Nigerian Bar Association, Legal Aid Council, NGOs, Civil Society Organisations, and other stakeholders.
During the proceedings, the Assistant Comptroller commended the Chief Judge for his consistent visits to custodial centres, noting that significant progress had been made since the last visit, particularly in ensuring legal representation for all inmates. He also highlighted the centre’s congestion, stating that the facility, designed for 360 inmates, was currently housing over 669 inmates.
The visit yielded positive outcomes, including the payment of fines for inmates sentenced with fine options, expedited trials for others, and the discharge of some over 25 to 30 male inmates.
About four female inmates were also discharged by the Chief Judge’s directive.
Women from the Old Keffi Correctional Centre were brought to the new centre, where the Chairperson of FIDA Abuja Mrs Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko pledged the sum of Two Hundred Thousand naira (200,000), for the fine of one Ms. Angela Chiamaka, whose fine was One Million Three Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand Naira only (1,387,000).
Onyenucheya-Uko went further to say that the FIDA Abuja Branch will follow up on the case and see how they will negotiate with the nominal complainant.
Furthermore, the FIDA Abuja Branch will also take up some of the cases of the female inmates who do not have legal representation.
