by Nurat Uthman
Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has granted amnesty to another 46 inmates at Oba and Ibara Correctional Centres in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The Chief Judge said that the move was to decongest correctional facilities in the state and bring hope to those behind bars.
Giving the breakdown of the beneficiaries of the exercise according to a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, Justice Dipeolu stated, “31 inmates were released from the Oba Correctional Centre and 15 from Ibara Correctional Centre bringing the total number of inmates granted amnesty to 46.”
Recall that the Chief Judge on Monday granted amnesty to the trio of Joseph Apan, Nureni Oladosu, and Babatunde Fagbayi, who were inmates of Ilaro Correctional Centre.
Speaking during the visit, Justice Dipeolu said cases of inmates were reviewed, leading to the freedom granted to those deemed deserving.
At Oba Correctional Centre, the Chief Judge expressed concern over overcrowding and dire conditions of the facility, stating, “We cannot ignore the plight of those awaiting trial, many of whom have been incarcerated for years without conviction.
“We must constantly emphasise the need for swift justice and rehabilitation, rather than mere punishment, to address the root causes of congestion of our Correctional Centres.”
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.
Justice Dipeolu was during the visit accompanied by a team of Judges of the State High Court, Director of Public Prosecution Management, as well as some officials, including the state Controller and Assistant Controller of the Correctional Centres.
