Osun CJ Frees 31 Awaiting-Trial Inmates
The Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo, has secured the release of 31 awaiting-trial inmates during a two-day jail delivery exercise conducted at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Ilesa and Ile-Ife.
This was in a bid to decongest custodial centres and strengthen the administration of criminal justice.
The exercise brought together a high-powered delegation comprising representatives of the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Bar, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Legal Aid Council, National Human Rights Commission, prosecutors and other critical stakeholders in the justice sector.
Acting under the powers vested in her by the Criminal Justice Act, Cap 40, Laws of the Federation, 2010, Justice Ojo reviewed approximately 70 cases involving inmates awaiting trial for offences ranging from stealing and armed robbery to murder.
At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, four inmates were discharged while fifteen others were released, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to nineteen. At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ile-Ife, twelve inmates regained their freedom following prolonged delays in prosecution and failure by prosecuting authorities to comply with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
Justice Ojo said the intervention was necessary to restore hope to deserving inmates, reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities and ensure that justice is not delayed.
She urged the released inmates to embrace lawful and productive lives, warning them against conduct that could lead to a return to custody.
The Chief Judge also commended the Controller of Corrections, Nigerian Correctional Service, Osun State Command, CC Rotimi Oluwadele, MNIM, fdc, for his commitment and proactive support towards the successful conduct of the exercise.
She further praised officers and personnel of the Command for their dedication to the core mandates of the Nigerian Correctional Service reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration and noted significant improvements in the production of inmates for court proceedings, particularly those facing capital offences.
The CJ equally expressed appreciation to the Honourable Attorney-General and Chief Law Officer of Osun State, alongside other justice sector stakeholders, for their sustained collaboration in promoting effective justice delivery across the state.
Earlier, Oluwadele while speaking on behalf of the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, lauded the Chief Judge for undertaking the exercise despite her demanding schedule.
He also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders within the criminal justice system and disclosed that several inmates had recently regained their freedom through the intervention of Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the Ministry of Justice.
The jail delivery exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Correctional Service and justice sector stakeholders to promote timely dispensation of justice, reduce custodial congestion and uphold the fundamental right of inmates to fair hearing.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
