Ogun State Chief Judge Grants Amnesty To 49 Inmates

Photo Credit: Western Post

In a bold move to decongest correctional facilities in Ogun State and bring hope to those behind bars, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has granted amnesty to a total of 46 inmates in the state during a jail delivery exercise at Oba and Ibara Correctional Centres in Abeokuta.

Giving the breakdown, Hon. Justice Dipeolu stated that 31 inmates were released from the Oba Correctional Centre and 15 from Ibara Correctional Centre bringing the total number of inmates granted amnesty from the two correctional centres to 46.

Recall that the Chief Judge had earlier granted amnesty to three inmates at the Ilaro Correctional Centre, bringing the total in the state to 49.

Speaking during the visit, the Chief Judge, accompanied by a team of Hon. Judge of the state High Court, Director of Public Prosecution Management, as well as some officials, including the state Controller and Assistant Controller, Correctional Centre, said cases of inmates were reviewed, leading to freedom granted to those deemed deserving.

According to ogunstate.gov.ng, at Oba Correctional Centre, Justice Dipeolu expressed concern over overcrowding and dire conditions of the facility, stating that, “We cannot ignore the plight of those awaiting trial; many of whom have been incarcerated for years without conviction”.

She emphasised the need for swift justice and rehabilitation, rather than mere punishment, to address the root causes of congestion.

At Ibara Correctional Centre, the Chief Judge commended the facility’s management for their efforts in maintaining a relatively better environment, urging them to do more to address the lingering issues.