Ogun moves to decongest correctional centres

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ogun State, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), has said government will expedite action to fast-track the trial of inmates in courts.

Ogungbade said the move would decongest Correctional Centres in the state.

The Commissioner revealed this during a visit to Ibara and Oba Correctional Centres, stated that the present administration was committed to a renewed focus in addressing the long standing issues plaguing Correctional Centres.

The Attorney General, who was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mr. Toyese Owoade and Mr. Ope Owotumi; Ms. Toyin Aiyepola and Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, added that efforts would be intensified to improve the centres.

He noted that the visit was necessitated by the need to assess the facilities and have insights into the issues affecting them, to serve as a beacon of hope for both Correctional staff and inmates.

Ogungbade hinted that various initiatives were in the pipeline to streamline legal processes and expedite appearance of prisoners in courts for hearing, promising that the Ministry would facilitate the smooth transfer of prisoners to court when needed.

“This approach will allow us to understand the multifaceted issues affecting correctional system and formulate targeted strategies for improvement”, he said.

The Commissioner called for synergy between the Ministry and Correctional authorities, to uphold the rights and dignity of inmates, while ensuring public safety, saying government was committed to championing reforms that promote fairness, efficiency and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.

In his remarks, the Controller of Correctional Centre in Ogun, Mr Saliu Adepoju, appreciated the Commissioner and his entourage for the visit, pledging to be more dedicated in uploading the ethics of the centre.