CDHR calls for rehabilitation of 52 pardoned prisoners in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) in Osun State has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to prioritize the rehabilitation of 52 out of the 53 prisoners recently granted pardons.

It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke exercised his prerogative of mercy in December, pardoning 53 convicts serving sentences at the Nigerian Correctional Service.

However, one of the pardoned individuals has since been remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Service for allegedly stealing a plasma television.

In a statement issued by its Osun State chairman, Olowu Emmanuel, the CDHR noted that it had previously written to the governor, warning of the risks associated with releasing pardoned individuals without any form of rehabilitation.

The statement emphasized that the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015 and the Osun State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2018 mandate rehabilitation programs for pardoned prisoners to facilitate their reintegration into society.

Emmanuel lamented that the governor has yet to respond to the letter, stressing that this lack of action poses significant risks to public safety and tarnishes the image of the Osun State Government.

He highlighted the case of one of the pardoned individuals, who has now been re-incarcerated, as evidence of the urgent need for effective rehabilitation programs.

“The case demonstrates the necessity of rehabilitating the remaining 52 pardoned individuals to prevent re-offense and ensure community safety,” Emmanuel stated.

He called on stakeholders to pressure the Osun State Government to implement intervention programs addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Failure to do so, he warned, could jeopardize public safety and reflect poorly on the state’s commitment to its responsibilities under the law.

Citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015, Part 45 – Parole, Section 468(2), Emmanuel said:

“A prisoner released under subsection (1) of this section shall undergo a rehabilitation program in a government facility or any other appropriate facility to enable proper reintegration into society.”

Similarly, the Osun State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2018, Section 463(2), mandates that pardoned prisoners undergo rehabilitation programs in government facilities for successful reintegration.

Emmanuel concluded:
“We implore all citizens, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to join us in advocating for immediate action from the Osun State Government. Together, we can work towards a safer and more just society.”

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