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In a significant act of mercy, the Adamawa State Chief Judge, Justice Hasfat Abdulrahaman, has freed a 70-year-old woman, Saraya Silma, who spent a decade in the Yolde-pate Correctional Centre awaiting trial over unfounded allegations of witchcraft that have been laid on her.
Silma, along with 41 other inmates, was pardoned during an exercise led by the state’s prerogative of mercy committee to gain a second chance at life.
In spite of her lengthy detention, no evidence was found to support the allegations that have been laid against her.
Selma’s case was part of a larger review, where 182 awaiting trial inmates were presented, with 37 convictions and 24 individuals granted bail to go and live a changed life.
The Chief Judge not only pardoned Silma but also provided her with N12,000 to aid her return to Cameroon, the country where she resides.
The pardon extends to other inmates, some of whom were granted non-custodial sentences, with others ordered to perform community service just to know the gravity of their crimes.
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Justice Abdulrahaman, while congratulating the released inmates, urged them to view their freedom as a divine opportunity to lead a better life and to confirm their lesson learned.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dominic David expressed gratitude and a commitment to reform.
The 800-capacity correctional facility currently holds 886 inmates, with the majority still awaiting trial.
