Ondo CJ frees 13 inmates, orders treatment for ailing detainees

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, has ordered the release of 13 awaiting trail inmates at the Olokuta Medium Security Custodial Centre in Akure as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities and promote justice delivery.

The releases were approved during the Chief Judge’s routine visit to custodial centres across the state, a process aimed at reviewing cases of inmates, especially those awaiting trial for prolonged periods or held under questionable circumstances.

Speaking during the exercise, Justice Odusola said the visit underscored the judiciary’s commitment to fairness and justice, noting that the system must not be solely focused on convictions.

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“It is one of my routine duties to visit correctional centres in the state. Many facilities, especially in Nigeria, hold people awaiting trial for years. This visit allows us to review such cases and, where necessary, order their release or grant bail,” he said.

He added that the exercise was not ceremonial but backed by law and intended to make tangible impact, stressing that mercy must be extended to deserving inmates.

Among those released unconditionally were Sanni Bello who was freed on health grounds due to kidney related disease, 19-year Peter Adamu, suffering from anemia.

Others were, Rasheed Olayiwola; Peter Wisdom, 32; Goodluck Ofinie, 23; Moses Udo, 25; Abdullah Ibrahim, 30; Akanbi Damilare, 20; Kabiru Haruna, 19; Elela Monday, 45; Segun Akin, 23; Samuel Friday; and Rasheed Ayuba, 27.

In addition, Ogunmola Akintomiwa was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a resident of Ondo State.

The Chief Judge also ordered that three inmates with serious health conditions be transferred for medical attention. They include, Akinwa Victor, diagnosed with schizophrenia and accused of patricide; as well as Muhammad Suleiman and Gabriel Bamidele, who were referred to the Ministry of Health for treatment.

Earlier, the Controller of Corrections in Ondo State, Charles Oyewole, represented by the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Adewale Ojo, highlighted the challenges facing the custodial centre.

He revealed that the facility, originally designed to accommodate 160 inmates, currently houses 831, with about 80 percent of them awaiting trial.

According to him, many of the inmates are indigent and unable to meet bail conditions or secure legal representation.

Oyewole described the jail delivery exercise as a critical intervention to address overcrowding and prolonged detention, while appealing for increased support in logistics, inmate welfare, and operational resources.

He urged the state government to partner more actively with the Nigerian Correctional Service by providing essential materials, transportation for inmates, and vocational equipment to aid rehabilitation.

The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ondo State judiciary to strengthen the administration of criminal justice and restore public confidence in the system.