Ondo State Launches Strategic Initiative to Decongest Correctional Centres

The Ondo State Government is actively working on a robust strategic approach to combat the severe overcrowding in its correctional centres, an issue highlighted by the staggering number of inmates awaiting trial. This commitment was reaffirmed by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, during a recent meeting with the Ondo State Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Charles Oyewole, in Akure.

The Attorney General stressed that the administration’s goal is to be highly strategic in its decongestion efforts to ensure the process is efficient and doesn’t complicate the criminal justice system. A key component of this strategy is the quick and effective administration of the Criminal Justice System. This is intended to ensure that those accused of minor offences do not endure prolonged stays in correctional facilities while awaiting the determination of their cases.

“Correctional centres are symbols of government authority in any society,” Mr. Ajulo noted, assuring the Controller that the Ministry of Justice will work harmoniously with the Correctional Service to achieve swift decongestion, particularly as the year-end approaches.

Overwhelmed Facilities and the Awaiting Trial Crisis
The alarming state of the correctional facilities was brought into sharp focus by Controller Oyewole, who revealed the massive scale of the overcrowding crisis.

1.Out of a total inmate population of 1,667 across all correctional centres in the state, a staggering 1,222 are awaiting trial. This means nearly 73% of all inmates are yet to be convicted of a crime, a figure that mirrors the broader crisis in Nigeria’s justice system. Nationally, the number of un-sentenced prisoners hovers around 65% of the total prison population, according to recent data.

2.The Akure Medium Correctional Centre is particularly overwhelmed. Designed to house only 277 inmates, it currently holds 772—an occupancy rate nearly triple its official capacity. A high percentage of these inmates are also awaiting trial.
Mr. Ajulo has since enjoined the State Controller’s office to furnish the Ministry of Justice with the names of long-term awaiting trial inmates who are being held for minor offences. This move signals the government’s intent to identify and fast-track the cases of those who may qualify for non-custodial sentences, bail, or judicial review, thereby providing immediate relief to the congested facilities.

Commitment to Justice Sector Reforms
The move by the Ondo State Government aligns with recent executive actions aimed at alleviating the pressure on the state’s correctional system. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has previously demonstrated his commitment to Justice Sector Reforms and reducing overcrowding through acts of Prerogative of Mercy, including pardoning and granting amnesty to several convicts in recent months based on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which Dr. Ajulo chairs.

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In his remarks, Mr. Oyewole expressed appreciation for the proactive stance of the Attorney General, promising to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary to improve the methods for decongesting the centres.

The state government’s strategic approach, focusing on judicial efficiency and identifying cases of minor offenders for urgent attention, represents a critical step toward addressing a major humanitarian and legal challenge in Ondo State.