Lagos CJ Orders Deportation of Two Chadian Nationals Amid Prison Decongestion Exercise
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, has directed the deportation of two Chadian nationals, Musa Abubakar and Yusuf Aliu, following their release during the 2026 correctional facility decongestion exercise.
Delivering the order at a special session of the Ogba Magistrates’ Court, Justice Alogba approved their release from custody but immediately handed them over to the Lagos State Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service for deportation, citing the nature of their offences.
Abubakar and Aliu were among 18 inmates freed during the exercise, which covered the Borstal Home, female correctional centre, and medium and maximum custodial centres across Lagos.
Abubakar admitted to robbing his victim with a knife and disclosed he had been in custody since 2018 without trial while Aliu confessed to theft but denied using weapons.
Justice Alogba rejected pleas for reintegration, insisting deportation was necessary in the circumstances.
In total, four women and 14 men were released.
One of the beneficiaries, Nneka Ogumu, a caterer who diverted N7 million meant for a job. Another woman, Favour, charged with stealing N6 million, who claimed she used part of the funds for her mother’s medical care. Maria Okafor, detained since 2023 for stealing jewellery and Faith Monday, who pledged to return to her village in Ogoja after release.
Other beneficiaries included Rabiu Mohammed, a 73‑year‑old man charged with defilement, released on compassionate grounds.
Justice Alogba cautioned the freed inmates to reform, warning that repeat offences would not attract similar leniency.
Several inmates were denied release after judicial review, including individuals charged with armed robbery, unlawful killing, and sexual offences against minors. Justice Alogba emphasised that offences involving defilement and violent crimes could not be excused under the exercise.
The exercise forms part of the Lagos State Judiciary’s ongoing initiative to decongest correctional facilities, balancing justice with public safety. Custodial centres in Lagos currently house over 8,000 inmates despite a combined capacity of fewer than 4,000.
Mr. Daramola George, Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Lagos Command, commended the judiciary’s careful review, describing the initiative as a humane step prioritising fairness, dignity, and the health of the correctional system, particularly for critically ill inmates.
