Chief Judge Releases 32 Prison Inmates in Osun
The Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, has released 32 awaiting trial inmates from the two prison formations in the state, Ilesa Prison and Medium Security Prison (MSP), Ile-Ife.
The 32 inmates were released during the Chief Judge and Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice’s jail delivery exercise at the prisons on 28th and 29th of November, 2018. Three (3) other inmates were also granted bail, with various conditions attached.
In her speech, Justice Ojo affirmed that she is statutorily empowered by Criminal Justice (Release from custody) (Special Prison) Act, CAP. 40. Section 1(I)(a) & (b), to carry out the release. CJ said the visit was organised to mark the commencement of the 2018/2019 Legal year of High Court of Justice of Osun State. She assured of the commitment of the new government of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the State House of Assembly and the State High Court, on the issue of prison decongestion. She expressed that the prison visit is to decongest the prisons and ensured to make life better for the inmates. She enjoined the inmates to turn over a new leaf, and put the positive skills acquired by them, while in prison to good use in the larger society.
The Chief Judge commended the Nigerian Prisons Service NPS, for their cooperation and support “in this onerous duty of prison decongestion and making our society free of crime”.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Controller of Prisons, Osun State Command, Mr Segun Oluwasemire, appreciated the Chief Judge, members of his panel, Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), Legal Aid Council, and other stakeholders present. The Controller pleaded with the Chief Judge, to release as much as fifty(50) inmates.
In their separate remarks, Mr Ope Fatinikun, a Deputy Controller of Prisons (DCP), officer in-charge, Ilesa Prison and Mr Mathew Ajagono, an Assistant Controller of Prisons (ACP), officer in-charge, Medium Security Prison (MSP), Ile-Ife, expressed their profound gratitude to the Chief Judge. They requested for a repeat of such visits within the shortest possible time.
The Chief Judge released 22 inmates and granted three (3) others bail at Ilesa Prison. 10 inmates were released at MSP, Ile-Ife.
Signed
ASP Olusola Adeotan
Command Public Relations Officer (CPRO)
Osun State Command.
