Ondo CJ frees 14 awaiting-trial inmates to decongest custodial centre

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, has ordered the release of 14 awaiting-trial inmates from the Security Custodial Centre in Owo as part of efforts to reduce congestion in custodial facilities across the state.

The inmates regained their freedom during the chief judge’s routine quarterly inspection of custodial centres, which is aimed at identifying cases of prolonged detention and protecting the fundamental rights of detainees.

Odusola said some of the beneficiaries had spent several years in custody without trial because of delays in prosecution, particularly involving the courts and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

He added that others were released on health and compassionate grounds, stressing that periodic inspections were necessary to prevent unnecessary delays from denying detainees access to justice.

The chief judge urged the freed inmates to remain law-abiding and use the opportunity to rebuild their lives, warning that anyone who returned to crime would face the full weight of the law.

He also commended the Nigeria Police Force, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, legal practitioners, court registrars and other stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the exercise.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Comptroller of Corrections, C.A. Oyewole, said the intervention was timely, noting that the custodial centre currently houses 304 inmates despite having an official capacity of 179.

Oyewole urged relevant authorities to adopt more non-custodial sentencing options to reduce overcrowding, while assuring the judiciary of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s continued cooperation in promoting efficient justice delivery.