In a significant move to decongest correctional facilities, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the Chief Judge of Ogun State, granted amnesty to 14 inmates from various correctional centers during a jail delivery exercise held on Friday at the Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta.
This exercise is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address overcrowding in correctional facilities and promote justice, fairness, and rehabilitation. Earlier in May, 46 inmates were granted amnesty as part of a similar initiative at the Oba and Ibara Correctional Centres.
Justice Dipeolu highlighted the importance of such exercises in ensuring timely justice and rehabilitation for those facing prolonged pre-trial detention. She noted the challenges in the justice system, including overcrowding and delayed court proceedings, but emphasized the role of periodic jail delivery exercises, non-custodial sentences, and other innovative solutions to ease these issues.
She further stressed that the purpose of the initiative was to encourage reintegration into society rather than merely punishing inmates. Reflecting on the opportunity for a fresh start, Justice Dipeolu urged the released inmates to use their time in confinement for personal development and transformation.
One of the freed inmates, Michael Ogunyemi, who had been incarcerated since 2019 for armed robbery, expressed gratitude and vowed to steer clear of crime upon his release.
