Ogun CJ grants amnesty to 14 inmates to ease Correctional Centre congestion

In a bid to alleviate overcrowding in correctional centres across Ogun State, the Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, has granted amnesty to 14 inmates.

The announcement was made during a jail delivery exercise at the State Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta.

Justice Dipeolu explained that the details of the released inmates, including their names, fingerprints, and photographs, were meticulously documented to ensure accountability in case any of the individuals reoffend in the future.

Justice Dipeolu highlighted the judicial system’s commitment to justice, fairness, and rehabilitation, stressing that the core responsibility of the judiciary is to ensure equitable outcomes for all, with a focus on reintegration into society.

The exercise saw the release of six inmates from Ijebu-Ode Correctional Centre, three from Sagamu Correctional Centre, four from Oba, and one from Ibara Correctional Centre.

Acknowledging the challenges facing the justice system, including overcrowding and delays in court processes, the Chief Judge urged the amnesty beneficiaries to avoid reoffending, warning that they may not be granted such opportunities in the future.

The amnesty process involved careful review of the inmates’ cases, with files obtained from the Public Prosecution’s Department, various correctional centres, and state courts.

Justice Dipeolu commended the Sub-Committee on the Decongestion of Correctional Centres for their role in making the jail delivery exercise smoother.