Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has granted amnesty to 14 inmates from various centers in a bid to ease overcrowding in correctional facilities across the state.
The initiative took place on Friday at the Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta.
This latest jail delivery exercise follows a similar initiative in May, during which 46 inmates were released from the Oba and Ibara Correctional Centres in Abeokuta.
Justice Dipeolu emphasized that the amnesty reflects the state’s dedication to upholding the rule of law while promoting justice, fairness, and rehabilitation.
Addressing those in attendance, she said, “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.”
Highlighting systemic challenges, she added, “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.”
Justice Dipeolu underscored the need for innovative approaches, stating, “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.”
Explaining the significance of the initiative, she noted, “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.”
Justice Dipeolu urged the freed inmates to embrace this opportunity for transformation and reintegration.
“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.
She further encouraged them to view their release as a turning point for self-improvement and a fresh start.
One of the beneficiaries, Michael Ogunyemi, who had been held on charges of armed robbery since 2019, expressed gratitude for the pardon.
Speaking to journalists, the 41-year-old pledged to avoid crime in the future and thanked the Chief Judge for her leniency.
