There were raptures of joy in some correctional centres across Ondo State, last week, as some inmates who had been awaiting trial for some time were set free.
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, joined the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Ayedun Odusola, as well as other stakeholders in the administration of Justice, during visit to the Correctional Centers for the exercise.
In the process, some 57 inmates were unconditionally released. Fifteen (15) of them were released in Akure Correctional Centre; 18 from the Ondo male facility; six from the Ondo female facility, and 18 from Okitipupa facility.
According to the Chief Judge of Ondo State, this was the first of such visits ever made by any Attorney General in the state, and for such a purpose.
Those pardoned at the Olokuta Custodial Centre included an 81-year-old man, Isiaka Momodu, who had been standing trial for two years and three months over unlawful carnal knowledge; the duo of Odeh Friday, 35, and Peter Ufomadu, 30, who had been awaiting trial for alleged robbery and conspiracy for more than five years; Ismaila Abdulrasaq, 36, who had been standing trial for three years and was released for lack of witnesses; as well as Emmanuel Ianna, 32, who had been standing trial for two years over alleged conspiracy.
Other inmates who regained their freedom unconditionally included a 65-year-old Prophet, Taiwo Komolafe, Dele James, 38; Danladil Kuku, Peter Sunday, Emmanuel Isaac, Ayomide Oladeji, Wale Olaolu, Ola Ojo, Joseph Amos,45; and a teenager, Essan Doland, all charged of whom were held for alleged stealing.
In Ondo, 57-year-old Ayo Odunsi and Sola Ayemibo who were standing trial for alleged murder were pardoned based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), while Training Ebegbe and Okutu Elokumo, 32, who were charged with kidnapping were released unconditionally on critical health ground.
At the female custodian centre in Ondo, those released were: a 29-year-old nursing mother, Grace Akinsanmi, charged with stealing and was released on humanitarian ground; Yusuf Sherif ,39, who was standing trial for concealing the death of a newborn baby for two years; while Opeyemi Oguntimoju, 32; Olasunkanmi Kolawole, Joy Anthony and Bukola Oyatunde who were charged for alleged stealing were also pardoned.
Others released were: Adams Isiaka, 33; standing trial for unlawful possession of firearms, Edet Ezekiel, 25; charged for beach of peace, Samuel Kastin, Gbenga Dadeni, 44; Mukaila Yisa, 28; Tunde Ibrahim, 41, Philip Samuel, 28; Samson Paul, 25; Joseph Okon, 25; Emmanuel Okuti, 34; Emmanuel Peter, 22; John Fanen, 34; Biliaminu Muhammed, 42; all charged for stealing.
In Okitipupa, 63-year-old Muhammad Basiru who was charged with kidnapping was pardoned on health grounds, while Sunday Miracle, 20; Segun Adeniran, 30; James Anthony, 23; Goodness Sunday, Ibrahim Isaiaka, Adeluwoye Imoleyin, 21; Eze Emmanuel and other 10 inmates standing trial for stealing were all released unconditionally.
Speaking at the end of the exercise, Ajulo said: “This act highlights the Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair treatment within the correctional system. It is a progressive approach to justice and rehabilitation within Ondo State, marking a new chapter in the State’s commitment to humane and equitable legal practices.
“The pardon not only offers a second chance but also reflects the government’s dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.”