By Jeffery Ahonmisi
The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Ibadan Branch, Mr Ibrahim Lawal, has called for a review of the practice of holding inmates beyond the legally stipulated time.
Mr Lawal made the call during a prison visit by the Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, where forty awaiting-trial inmates were freed.
The NBA Chairman stressed that once a court order for the release of an inmate is presented by a legal practitioner, such an individual should be released without delay.
He cautioned that if the association continues to encounter obstacles in the enforcement of legally granted inmate releases, it may seek judicial interpretation on the matter.
Mr Lawal added that the Nigeria Bar Association would continue to collaborate with the judiciary to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
Reacting to the statement, the Officer-in-Charge of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, Mr. Sunday Adekunbi, explained that there are laid-down legal procedures that must be followed before an inmate can be released, which may take some time.
Mr Adekunbi appealed to members of the NBA for understanding, noting that the procedures involved in releasing inmates are in the interest of justice and public safety.
Representative of the State Chief Judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola, however advised inmates released not to go back to crime.
Edited By Titilayo Kupoliyi
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