By Jeffery Ahonmisi
The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, has granted pardon to seventy-nine awaiting-trial inmates at the Agodi Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The inmates were released on compassionate grounds, with charges ranging from fraud, unlawful sexual intercourse, and breach of peace to armed robbery, kidnapping, and conspiracy.
Some were also pardoned due to poor health.
One of the beneficiaries, Lekan Oroleye, had been remanded for allegedly absconding with a friend’s iPhone 12 Pro Max, which was later recovered and returned.
Another freed inmate, Timileyin Adeniran, explained he had been detained after a commercial motorcycle he was purchasing on installments was stolen from him.
The review also presented an emotional case where Michael Kolawole was remanded in place of his pregnant wife, who was involved in a neighborly dispute.
However, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when an inmate, Idris Oladosu, who is being tried for conspiracy, stealing, and unlawful society membership, fainted upon learning his case would proceed to trial.
Fellow inmates rushed to his aid.
Representing the Chief Judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola highlighted that the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to decongest the state’s overcrowded custodial centres through regular jail visits and case reviews.
Justice Yerima reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to expediting hearings for the speedy dispensation of justice.
The Controller of Corrections for the Oyo State Command, Mr. Ayoola Opadeji, represented by Deputy Controller of Corrections Timothy Oyelade, advised the freed inmates not to take their freedom for granted and to become positive members of society.
The pardoned inmates expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge and pledged never to return to a life of crime.
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