Oyo Chief Judge Frees 40 Inmates to Ease Overcrowding at Agodi Correctional Centre

Oyo State Chief Judge, Iyabo Yerima, on Tuesday facilitated the release of 40 inmates from the Agodi Correctional facility in Ibadan, a move aimed at alleviating overcrowding within the centre.

Presiding over the exercise, Justice Ladiran Akintola, representing the Chief Judge, stated that quarterly visits to correctional facilities are essential for managing decongestion. He noted that while the initial plan for the first quarter was disrupted by judicial engagements, the visit was expedited to address the issue.

"Much as we tried in the first quarter of the year, because of conflicting and judicial responsibilities, we were unable to visit then. That is why we came early this month to visit the correctional facility with the view to reducing the level of congestion," Justice Akintola explained.

He further elaborated that cases were reviewed, and recommendations were made for the release of inmates deemed suitable, leading to the release of 40 individuals.

Justice Yerima urged those released to maintain good conduct, refrain from criminal activities, and make a fresh start to ensure they do not find themselves back in correctional custody.

Following the directive, the released inmates were provided with token sums for transportation to their respective homes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the beneficiaries included individuals with health conditions, those awaiting trial for bailable offences, and some who had been incarcerated for over four years.

Ibrahim Lawal, an executive member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, lauded the Chief Judge's initiative and the exercise of her discretionary powers. He emphasized the importance of such periodic visits by the NBA and the judiciary to assess the conditions of inmates and prevent abuses.

"It's an exercise to be done often to prevent abuse of power and unnecessary congestion. Those with communicable diseases are released to prevent the spread to other inmates and to prevent a pandemic within the facility," Lawal added.

Mr. Lawal also raised concerns about prison officials who allegedly fail to release inmates even after court warrants have been issued, stating that the NBA intends to pursue legal action against such practices.

Nationwide, approximately 35 per cent of the 79,109 inmates in Nigeria's correctional facilities are convicted, while the remaining 65 per cent are awaiting trial. This high proportion of awaiting-trial inmates is identified as a primary driver of congestion across the country's correctional centres.