Go and sin no more, Ondo CJ releases inmates

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola on Thursday pardoned eight inmates at the Olokuta Medium Correctional Centre, Akure.

Odusola ordered the release of the inmates during a routine visit to the facilities in Akure.

Some of the inmates were released for a lack of diligent prosecution on the part of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Ondo State Ministry of Justice and one on health grounds.

Three out of those who regained their freedom were released unconditionally while the remaining six were released on bail.

The released are: a 45-year-old commercial bus driver, Sunday Dike who has been standing trial for almost six years, 33-year-old Kayode Alonge accused of stealing for five years, and Adeola Mabogunje who was standing trial for stealing released unconditionally

Other five inmates released on various bail conditions are; Samuel Adedayo who was remanded for stealing plantain was released on bail with the sum of 20,000 one sureties in the like sum on critical health grounds, others granted bail Abubakar Sege, Mohammed Warrigbe, Umar Majo Geje, Ardu Baba in the sum of 500,000 each with surety in like sum.

The Chief Judge said the need to decongest prisons made it imperative to release some inmates who had been in custody for many years without trial.

Odusola said inmates who are seriously sick those who have been detained for a long time and those who deserved to be released would be released.

The Chief Judge therefore ruled that the inmates could not be kept perpetually in prison custody while police were still investigating their case saying it was unlawful.

He other that that any inmate suffering from one serious ailment like Hepatitis B+, C+, and HIV and mental situation should be taken to the Hospital for medical attention.

The Chief Judge implored the released inmates to turn to new leave and not allow the economic situation of the country to deter them from making legitimate livelihoods.

Speaking earlier, the State Comptroller of Corrections Mr Jude Agboje, said the poor living condition of the inmates awaiting trial and those who have been convicted was occasioned by congestion.

He called on the appropriate authorities to urgently look into the living conditions in prisons to prevent outbreaks of diseases among inmates and also made a call for the decentralization of the criminal court.