The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, on Tuesday ordered the release of six inmates during a jail delivery exercise at the Old Ilorin Custodial Centre, Okekura.
He said the exercise was aimed at promoting justice, decongesting custodial centres and protecting the rights of awaiting trial inmates in the state.
The six inmates were released after a careful review of their cases in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise in Ilorin, Justice Adebara said the jail delivery initiative forms part of the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not delayed and that inmates who no longer have legal grounds to remain in custody are promptly released.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by embracing lawful means of livelihood and becoming responsible members of their communities.
The Chief Judge also advised them to shun criminal activities and contribute positively to society.
The Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, Assistant Controller of Corrections Muyiwa Omole, expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge and his team, describing the exercise as timely and impactful.
He said the initiative would significantly reduce congestion in the custodial facility and enhance effective inmate management.
Omole also assured the judiciary of the Nigerian Correctional Service’s continued cooperation in promoting the administration of criminal justice in Kwara State.
Also speaking, the Kwara State Controller of Corrections, Tolorunshagba Femi Emmanuel, commended the Chief Judge for his continued support towards decongesting custodial centres across the state.
He said the exercise reflects the strong collaboration between the judiciary and the Nigerian Correctional Service in ensuring speedy justice delivery.
The Controller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining safe, secure and humane custodial facilities while advancing rehabilitation and reformation programmes for inmates.
He also recalled that the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has consistently advocated stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the criminal justice system to ensure deserving inmates are successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
