22 inmates regain freedom in Ondo

Reprieve came the way of 22 inmates from Okitipupa and Olokuta medium correctional centres in Ondo State, as the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, ordered the release of the inmates, charging them to turn a new leaf.

The Chief Judge, during the visit to the prisons, stated that the steps were taken to facilitate speedy trials and dispensation of cases and to ensure a drastic reduction in the number of awaiting trial inmates or those with no grievous offence.

Akeredolu charged the freed inmates to be of good behaviour and make a positive impact on society.

The freed inmates who were alleged of minor offences ranging from stealing to illegal conversion assured to turn a new leaf.

ALSO READ:  #RevolutionNow: Mixed reactions trail FG’s treasonable felony charges against Sowore

The Chief Judge who visited the three correctional centres at Okitipupa, Ondo and Olokuta, ordered the release of six out of 79 inmates awaiting trial at the Okitipupa facility while four of the six inmates are males.

Also, a 13-year-old boy alleged of rape was discovered among the inmates and the Chief Judge directed that he should be transferred to children correctional centre.

At Olokuta facility, 16 inmates were released, while some were released on health grounds, others were released for lack of diligent prosecution on the part of the Department of Public Prosecution in the ministry of justice.

The Chief Judge, however, warned the Department of Public Prosecution against shoddiness as she observed that some cases that ought to have been dispensed are not handled expeditiously as the ACJL stipulates.

She advised the department to live up to their responsibilities and be mindful of the provisions of the ACJL so that they would not add to the congestion in correctional centres.

She issued stern warning against tardiness on the part of some Magistrates especially in the Okitipupa judicial division as some cases were adjourned for a period of three months.