The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, on Friday ordered the release of 57 awaiting trial inmates from the Federal Correctional Centre in Ado-Ekiti.
Justice Ogunmoye explained that the inmates were freed under different conditions, including bail, lack of evidence, health concerns and minor offences.
According to him, six inmates were granted bail, nine were discharged after it was established that they had no case to answer, while 42 others were released unconditionally due to health challenges and the nature of their offences.
The Chief Judge made the decision during an official visit to the correctional facility, where he reviewed a total of 518 cases involving 511 male and seven female inmates.
He advised those released to live responsibly and avoid returning to crime, warning that anyone who causes trouble would face the law.
He also appreciated the support of stakeholders involved in the review process, including the Legal Unit of the Nigerian Police Force in Ekiti, the Director of Public Prosecutions, private and public lawyers, court registrars and other officials.
Justice Ogunmoye commended the Comptroller of Corrections, Olufemi Okuseinde, for maintaining a clean environment and ensuring the welfare of inmates.
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In her remarks, Okuseinde described the Chief Judge’s visit as a major relief to many inmates, but raised concerns over the overcrowded condition of the centre.
She disclosed that the facility currently holds 922 inmates despite having a capacity of only 324.
The comptroller called for urgent expansion of the custodial centre, urging the Chief Judge and the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), to support efforts to provide more cells and structures.
She noted that such improvements would help with proper inmate classification, rehabilitation and effective sentence planning.
Dignitaries present at the exercise included the Attorney General, high court judges, magistrates, and the Director of the Legal Aid Council in Ekiti State, Adeyinka Opaleke, among others.
