The Ogun state Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has ordered for 67 inmates from the correctional facilities in Sagamu, Oba, Ibara, and Abeokuta; to be released because the prison has become overcrowded.

In her explanation to journalists on Thursday, during the jail delivery exercise at the Oba custodial centre — Justice Dipeolu stated that the inmates were released on the grounds of health and compassion. She disclosed that many of them have overspent their periods in custody without active prosecution in their cases.

Among the 67 inmates, 35 Sagamu inmates, 20 Oba inmates, and 12 inmates of Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, were all freed.

Aimed at decongesting the custodial centre, she further explained that the review was deliberate and periodic as it falls under her responsibilities as a chief judge.

“The jail delivery exercise is part of the Chief Judge’s mandate to aid the decongestion of our custodial centres.

“Some of them were released on health grounds; others have spent years in custody, either because their cases have stalled or their case files can no longer be located.

“Some have been here since 2017, 2019, or 2020, with no ongoing legal proceedings.

“There’s no reason to keep them confined and feeding off taxpayers’ money. Let them return to society and make something meaningful of their lives.

“I have also advised them to become responsible citizens. We have their records. They must remain of good behaviour and avoid any actions that could bring them back here, as they may not be this lucky next time,” she explained.

The chief judge advised the freed inmates to be of responsible behaviours and steer clear of any actions that might have them re-incarcerated.

In his remark, also, the Controller of the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abioye Adesina, described the chief judge’s act as ‘a humanitarian gesture’, noting that such act would relieve them the stress and huddles that come with handling overcrowded centres.

He revealed that, before the inmates were released, they were put through vocational training during their time in custody.

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