PWAN Success Story: A case of Mr. Mohammed B. and Mr. M. Aminu who were incarcerated for over a year
On the 3rd day of October 2023, a remarkable turn of events unfolded in the city of Minna, Niger State, as PWAN successfully secured the release of two inmates, Mr. Mohammed B., and Mr. M. Aminu, who had been incarcerated for over a year.
The saga began in April 2022, when Mr. Mohammed B. and Mr. M. Aminu were arrested in Kaduna. After being transferred from one police division to another, their case finally made it to the Senior Magistrate Court 5 in Minna. However, their journey towards freedom was not a smooth one.
It was during this time that PWAN Niger, driven by its unwavering commitment to prison decongestion, took a keen interest in their case. Upon visiting the New Correctional Centre, the dedicated team from PWAN discovered that the two inmates were suffering from various illnesses. This further solidified their determination to help secure their release.
In pursuit of justice, the PWAN Team embarked on a diligent investigation, delving into the specifics of their case file. To their astonishment, they discovered that the case had been pending for an extended period, with the Prosecution yet to receive DPP advice for the past seven months.
Recognizing the situation’s urgency, PWAN promptly relisted the case and applied for the discharge of Mohammed Bello and Mohammed Aminu under the provision outlined in Section 193 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL). This strategic move aimed to highlight the Prosecution’s lack of diligent prosecution, thereby compelling the court to grant their release.
With meticulous attention to detail and perseverance, PWAN Niger played a pivotal role in securing the freedom of Mohammed Bello and Mohammed Aminu. Their release marks a significant milestone for both the inmates and their families, as well as a testament to the dedication and advocacy efforts of the PWAN team.
As a leading force in promoting prison decongestion and ensuring fair justice, PWAN Niger continues to make a profound impact in the lives of individuals like Mr. Mohammed B. and Mr. M. Aminu. Their release serves as a shining example of the power of collective action and determination, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
Having assessed the circumstances surrounding the case, the Magistrate determined that a summary trial would be the best course of action. This decision was motivated by the fact that the individuals had already served their sentence, which was six months in length.
Consequently, the court granted their release immediately after the trial concluded. PWAN swiftly mobilized the necessary transportation arrangements to return the individuals to their hometown in Katsina.
This story serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all.
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