No fewer than 57 inmates who were on the awaiting trial list at Correctional Centers across Ondo State have been released by the State government.
The State’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, SAN, disclosed this on Friday.
Ajulo, who was accompanied by the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Ayedun Odusola, and other stakeholders in the administration of Justice during their visit to the Correctional Centers across the State, released 15 inmates in Akure; 18 in the Ondo male facility; six at the Ondo female facility, and 18 at Okitipupa, unconditionally.
Speaking during the visits, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayedun Odusola, disclosed that the visits were the first-ever by any Attorney General of Ondo State for such purpose.
Among those who were pardoned in Olokuta Custodial Centre included an 81-year-old man, Isiaka Momodu, who had been standing trial for two years and three months over unlawful carnal knowledge of a female; the duo of Odeh Friday, 35, and Peter Ufomadu, 30, awaiting trial for alleged robbery and conspiracy for more than five years; Ismaila Abdulrasaq, 36, standing trial for three years was released for lack of witnesses; Emmanuel Ianna, 32, standing trial for two years over conspiracy.
Other inmates released included 65-year-old Prophet, Taiwo Komolafe; Dele James, 38; Danladi Kuku, Peter Sunday, Emmanuel Isaac, Ayomide Oladeji, Wale Olaolu, Ola Ojo, Joseph Amos,45; and a teenager, Essan Doland, all charged for stealing.
In Ondo, 57-year-old, Ayo Odunsi and Sola Ayemibo, who were standing trial for alleged murder were pardoned based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), while Training Ebegbe and Okutu Elokumo, 32, charged with kidnapping were released unconditionally on critical health ground.
Also at the female custodian centre in Ondo, those released were a 29-year-old nursing mother, Grace Akinsanmi, charged with stealing and was released on humanitarian grounds, Yusuf Sherif, 39, who was standing trial for concealing the death of a newborn baby for two years while Opeyemi Oguntimoju, 32; Olasunkanmi Kolawole, Joy Anthony and Bukola Oyatunde, who were charged for stealing were pardoned.
Others released were Adams Isiaka, 33; standing trial for unlawful possession of firearms, Edet Ezekiel, 25; charged for beach of peace, Samuel Kastin, Gbenga Dadeni, 44; Mukaila Yisa, 28; Tunde Ibrahim, 41, Philip Samuel, 28; Samson Paul, 25; Joseph Okon, 25; Emmanuel Okuti, 34; Emmanuel Peter,22; John Fanen, 34; Biliaminu Muhammed, 42 all charged for stealing.
In Okitipupa, a 63-year-old Muhammad Basiru charged with kidnapping was pardoned on health grounds, while Sunday Miracle, 20; Segun Adeniran, 30; James Anthony, 23; Goodness Sunday, Ibrahim Isaiaka, Adeluwoye Imoleyin, 21; Eze Emmanuel and other 10 inmates standing trial for stealing were released unconditionally.
The visits, LEADERSHIP gathered, highlighted the State government led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair treatment within the correctional system.
It was also learnt that the act was a progressive approach to justice and rehabilitation within Ondo State, marking a new chapter in the State’s commitment to humane and equitable legal practices.
LEADERSHIP reports that the pardon not only offered a second chance but also reflected the government’s dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.
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