ABEOKUTA– 14 inmates from various correctional centers in Ogun state have regained their freedom at a jail delivery exercise held in Abeokuta, Friday.
The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu said the exercise is aimed at dicongesting the correction facilities across the state, adding that the pardon underline the state’s commitment to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring justice, fairness, and rehabilitation.
“This jail delivery exercise serves as a crucial component in our justice system. It is a crucial mechanism to review cases, expedite justice, rehabilitate, and, most importantly, promote and reintegrate into society individuals who have faced a lengthy pre-trial detention.
“In recent years, we have witnessed challenges within our justice system, including overcrowding in correctional facilities and delays in court proceedings caused by many factors.
“However, these numerous challenges within our justice system demand our urgent attention and innovative solutions, like the periodic jail delivery exercise, awarding of non-custodial sentences for minor offences, restitution, and compensation to victims of crimes, among others.
“Today’s exercise represents another step towards addressing these challenges. This is in compliance with the constitutional duty of my office as the Chief Judge of the State, which allows me to review cases to identify those ready for release, particularly inmates with prolonged detention or serious health issues.
“The main essence of this program is to ensure that our system promotes reintegration rather than mere punishment for inmates with prolonged stay in custody without their case being determined within the time frame stipulated under the law”, she said
One of the released inmates, Michael Ogunyemi, aged 41, who was arrested and charged with armed robbery in 2019, thanked the Chief Justice for the gesture and pledged not to return to crime.
