JUST IN: Oyo State frees 40 inmates amidst ongoing prison decongestion efforts

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, has granted clemency to 40 inmates at the Agodi Correctional Centre as part of routine measures aimed at decongesting custodial facilities.

The Chief Judge carried out the exercise through a delegation led by Justice Ladiran Akintola, which involved the review of more than 300 inmates at the facility.

Speaking during the exercise, Justice Akintola explained that the decision to release the inmates was based on findings that some had overstayed in custody while awaiting trial, while others remained in detention due to their inability to meet bail conditions.

He urged the released inmates to regard their freedom as a rare opportunity and encouraged them to turn a new leaf by engaging in lawful and productive activities that would benefit society.

Commending the initiative, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibadan branch, Ibrahim Lawal, praised the Chief Judge for the prison visit and the clemency granted to deserving inmates.

He noted that such decongestion efforts help address cases of prolonged detention and possible miscarriage of justice.

Out of the 40 inmates released, 39 were male and one was a female.

The exercise is expected to continue at the Abolongo Custodial Centre as well.