Prison decongestion: Ondo Chief Judge frees five inmates

Five inmates serving jail terms at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Ondo State, were pardoned yesterday, by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

The Chief Judge ordered the release of the inmates during a routine visit to the facility in Akure South Local Council Area of the state.

According to Odusola, the move became imperative following the need to decongest correctional centres, particularly given that some inmates have been in custody for many years without trial.

The prisoners released during the visit of the Chief Judge are: 46-year-old Yusuf Isola from Kastina State, who was convicted in 2018, Segun Olatokunbor, 36, from Akoko, Keyinde Wasi, 24, from Ile-Oluji, Festus Kolawole, 28-year-old, and Mutiu Olakunmi.

He implored the released inmates to turn new leave and not allow the economic situation of the country to deter them from making legitimate livelihoods.

Justice Odusola said, “I understand that the economic situation in the country is not too good, but that does not mean you should go back to your old ways when you are released.”

“As able-bodied persons, you should ensure that you get jobs and make ends meet because that is the best way to make money. Now that you are being set free, you must ensure that you are not brought back to court because your application for such will not be granted.”

He stated that any prisoner having mental health challenge should be taken to the psychiatric hospital for medical attention before bail.

The general provost of the prisoners, Mr. Fawibe Olayemi, who stated that lots of people have been on the death roll for many years, appealed that the Chief Judge uses his good office to set them free.