#justice : 10 prison inmates regain freedom

Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade

The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, on Wednesday released 10 inmates from the Ikoyi Prison.

Atilade said the amnesty granted the inmates was in line with the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Law of the Federation of Nigeria...


She said the exercise was in furtherance of the commitment of the judiciary to decongest the prison, populated by a high number of awaiting-trial inmates.

While freeing the 10 inmates, the Chief Judge admonished them to steer clear of activities that could bring them back into prison and rather go on to be good citizens, making positive impacts.

She said, “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 at the end of the year.

“I do sincerely hope that those being granted amnesty today will be of good conduct and will do no such thing capable of bringing them back into prison.”

The Chief Judge further assured that with the newly-introduced Bail Information Management System in Lagos State, justice dispensation would be faster, leading to substantial reduction in the number of awaiting-trial inmates.

She said, “The newly-introduced Bail Information Management System 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, however, appealed to the Office of the Public Defender, the Nigerian Bar Association and non-governmental organisations to assist inmates whose cases were ongoing to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

Earlier, while welcoming the Chief Judge, the Deputy Controller, Ikoyi Prison, Mr. Julius Ezugwu, pointed out that the prison was overstretched, as it held a total of 2,084 inmates as against its holding capacity of 800 inmates

“The prison currently holds 2,084 inmates. The number of convicted inmates is 210 while those awaiting trial are 1,874,” he said.

Ezugwu, however, expressed satisfaction at what he described as a cordial relationship that existed between the prison and the police, as well as between the prison and the judiciary.