Ekiti State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, has set 57 awaiting trial inmates free.
The Chief Judge made this decision during an official visit to the Federal Correctional Centre, Ado Ekiti.
The Comptroller of Corrections in Ekiti, CC Oluremi Christy Okuseinde, described the visit as worthwhile, saying it would bring relief to some inmates.
She noted that the centre is overcrowded, with 922 inmates against a capacity of 324, and urged authorities to provide more facilities.
She also urged the Chief Judge and the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice to use their positions to provide more cells and buildings to enhance proper classification of inmates, allowing for adequate sentence planning, reformation, and rehabilitation.
Justice Ogunmoye reviewed 518 cases- 511 male, 7 female inmates.
Of these, 6 were granted bail, 9 released on the basis of having no case to answer, while 42 were released unconditionally based on health issues and minor offences.
The Chief Judge thanked stakeholders, including the legal unit of the Nigerian Police Force, Ekiti State Command, the Director of Public Prosecutions, lawyers from private and official bar, Registrars of the court, and others for their contributions.
He commended the Comptroller for maintaining a hygienic environment, as well as keeping the inmates healthy.
Justice Ogunmoye advised the released inmates to be good ambassadors, warning that the law would catch troublemakers in Ekiti State.
Among those present at the exercise were the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice in Ekiti State, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN, High Court judges, Director of the Legal Aid Council in Ekiti State, Mr. Adeyinka Opaleke, Magistrates and others.
