By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

No fewer than 67 inmates from correctional facilities in Sagamu, Oba, and Ibara in Abeokuta have regained their freedom as part of efforts to ease overcrowding in the state’s custodial centres.

Of the total number released, 35 inmates were freed from Sagamu, 20 from Oba, and 12 from the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta.

The exercise was carried out under the directive of the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday during the jail delivery exercise at the Oba Custodial Centre, Justice Dipeolu explained that the periodic review is a statutory responsibility of her office aimed at decongesting the prisons.

She noted that the inmates were released on health or compassionate grounds, adding that many had spent prolonged periods in custody without active prosecution or progress in their cases.

Dipeolu urged the freed inmates to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid any actions that could lead to re-incarceration, warning that they might not be so fortunate again.

She stated, “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.”

The Controller of the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Abioye Adesina, expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge for what he described as a humanitarian gesture.

Adesina noted that the initiative would help address the persistent problem of overcrowded custodial centres. He also added that the released inmates had received vocational training during their time in custody and urged them to use the skills acquired to contribute positively to the country’s socio-economic development.