Judiciary

79 Inmates Pardoned in Oyo Jail Decongestion

By Web News 426

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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Judiciary

Breaking: Court Dismisses Oyo Dep. Gov. Suit to Stop Impeachment Process

By Web News 510

Justice Ladiran Akintola of an Oyo state high court sitting in Ibadan has dismissed a suit filed by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan to stop the State House Of Assembly over the procedure to remove him from office.

Giving the judgment on Thursday, the court held that the House of Assembly has not breached the provisions of the constitution on the removal of the Governor or Deputy Governor.

According to the court, the lawmakers substantially complied with the provisions of Section 188 of the Constitution on the removal process.

The court said the lawmakers should continue with the removal process.

Details later

Funmilola Obagbayegun / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Judiciary

Court Orders FG, DSS To Pay Igboho 20 Billion In Damages

By Web News 1251

An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has ordered the Federal Government, the Director General, Department of State Security, DSS, and the DSS Director in Oyo State to pay 20 billion naira exceptional and aggravated damage over the unlawful invasion of the residence of Sunday Adeyemo “Igboho” in Ibadan.

The court also granted all the relief prayed for, before the Oyo State High Court by the Yoruba nation agitator before the court.

Justice Ladiran Akintola in his 90 minutes judgment equally restrained the Federal Government, the DSS, their agents, privies or otherwise from further harassing, molesting or arresting him.

The judge also awarded 2 million naira cost against the Federal Government, DG DSS and the DSS Director in Oyo State.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Akintola struck out the preliminary objection filed by the 2nd and 3rd respondents were not signed and or dated when it was filed before the court.

Justice Akintola emphasized that the failure to date and sign the objection thereby made it defective and ineffective.

On whether the High Court has the jurisdiction to hear the case, Justice Akintola said it had been established by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court that that both the Federal High Court and State High Court have competent jurisdiction especially in a Fundamental Rights suit which occurred within the jurisdiction of both courts.

He stressed that the siege laid on the Sunday Igboho’s residence on July 31, this year, the manner of the invasion which was not known to law, no court order of any criminal offences, or warrant of arrest which was never denied by the defendants amounted to violation of Sunday Igboho’s fundamental rights.

Condemning the action of the respondents, Justice Akintola frowned at the trauma inflicted on Sunday Igboho, residents and neighbours with the invasion of his house in the wee hours of the night, as there was no evidence that Nigeria was at war which warranted such action.

Justice Akintola described the invasion of Sunday Igboho’s residence as highly condemnable, crude display of law, unprofessional, overzealous and reckless.

Resolving all the issues in the suit in favour of Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, Justice Akintola ruled that the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Director General DSS and the DSS Director in Oyo state should pay 20 billion naira as exceptional and aggravated cost for the illegal invasion and wanton destruction of his property.

Funmilola Obagbayegun