30th December, 2015
Henry Ojelu
The Chief Judge said the gesture was aimed at decongesting the prison, to ensure deserving inmates are made to breathe the fresh air of freedom.
Atilade admonished the freed inmates to be of good behaviour and make positive impacts in the society.
“In congratulating the beneficiaries of today’s exercise, I must note that they are being given another opportunity to start afresh, more so as it is coming on the eve of a new year.
“I do sincerely hope and pray that those being granted amnesty today will be of good conduct and would do no such thing capable of bringing them back into prison.” She said.
Atilade said that steps have been taken by the judiciary to facilitate speedy trials and dispensation of cases to ensure a drastic reduction in the number of awaiting trial inmates.
“The newly introduced Bail Information Management System (BIMS) is a ground breaking innovation to improve the administration of criminal justice in Lagos State.
Aside guaranteeing ease of access to relevant information as may be required for effective bail management, it is intended to eliminate all known challenges in criminal prosecution. ” She said.
The Chief Judge appealed to Office of the Public Defender, the Nigerian Bar Association and Non-Governmental Organisations to assist inmates whose cases are ongoing ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Controller, Ikoyi Prisons, Mr Julius Ezugwu, said the facility which had a capacity for 800 inmates currently held 2084 inmates.
He said “The prison currently holds 2,084 inmates.The number of convicted inmates are 210 while those awaiting trial are 1,874.”
Ezugwu noted the very cordial relationship that is currently existing between the prison and members of the Criminal Justice System made of the police and judiciary.
“The synergy and collaboration amongst us has translated into the orderly, stable and peaceful community that abounds in this prison.” He said.
The release of inmates is pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.