Thirty-two (32) inmates awaiting trial from the two prison formations in Ilesha and Ile Ife, Osun state, have been released by the state’s Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo.
The inmates gained their freedom during the Chief Judge and Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice’s jail delivery exercise at Ilesha and Ile Ife prisons.
Three other inmates were also granted bail, with various conditions attached.
The Chief Judge pardoned 22 inmates and granted bail to three others at Ilesa Prison, while ten inmates were released at Ile-Ife Medium Security Prison.
While welcoming the Chief judge and her team earlier, the Controller of Prisons, Osun State Command, Mr Segun Oluwasemire, commended Justice Ojo, members of his panel, Directorate of Public Prosecution and Legal Aid Council, for the effort to decongest prisons in the state.
The Controller pleaded with the Chief Judge, to release as many as 50 inmates from prisons in the state.
In her remarks, Justice Ojo, said the visit was organised to mark the commencement of the 2018/2019 Legal year of High Court of Justice of Osun State.
A statement signed by ASP Olusola Adeotan, the Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Prison Service, Osun State Command, explained that Justice Ojo was statutorily empowered by Criminal Justice (Release from custody) (Special Prison) Act, CAP. 40. Section 1(I)(a) & (b), to carry out the release.
Justice Ojo, also assured of the commitment of the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the State House of Assembly and the State High Court, to decongest prisons in the state.
She enjoined those released from prison to put to positive use, skills acquired while in prison.
