39 inmates in Ogun states are all enjoying their long-lost freedom after the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 granted them unconditional release.
The freed prisoners, chosen from 4 out of the 5 prisons in the state were said to have been arrested since 2008 while others charges of robbery whose case files could not be readily made available by the police.
The 4 prisons whose inmates benefited from the state pardon are: Ilaro, Oba, Abeokuta and Ijebu Ode prisons.
Vanguard reports;
Justice Olopade however, explained that the exercise which was supposed to have taken place in July was shifted to August due to judiciary workers strike.
“Even though the courts are on vacation, we would ensure the welfare of the inmates and decongest the prisons by setting free those inmates awaiting trial on the ground of no case file and some inmates who have no charges against them,” she said.
Olopade expressed optimism that the released inmates would have learnt their lessons and would live as good citizens of the society.
The CJ however appealed to the State Police command to work effectively with the ministry of justice in the discharge of their duties toward speedy dispensation of justice.
She added that the state government had assured it would assist the Criminal Justice Sector, so that criminal cases would be brought to court promptly by approving funds for the duplication of case files in order to eradicate delay in justice dispensation.
