ODSG frees 57 inmates awaiting trials. By Chris Mark

ODSG frees 57 inmates awaiting trials

Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, as well as the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayedun Odusola, among other stakeholders in the administration of justice, visited the correctional centers across the state where a total of 57 inmates were released.

During the visits, 15 inmates were released in Akure, 18 in the Ondo male facility, six at the Ondo female facility, and 18 at Okitipupa, unconditionally.

According to the Chief Judge of Ondo State, it was the first visit ever by any Attorney-General of Ondo State for such a purpose.

Those who were pardoned in Olokuta Custodial Centre include an 81-year-old man, Isiaka Momodu, who had been standing trial for two years and three months over unlawful carnal knowledge; the duo of Odeh Friday, 35, and Peter Ufomadu, 30, awaiting trial for alleged robbery and conspiracy for more than five years; Ismaila Abdulrasaq, 36, standing trial for three years, was released for lack of witnesses; Emmanuel Ianna, 32 who has been standing trial for two years over conspiracy.

“Other inmates released include 65 -year-old Prophet, Taiwo Komolafe, Dele James, 38; Danladi Kuku, Peter Sunday, Emmanuel Isaac, Ayomide Oladeji, Wale Olaolu, Ola Ojo, Joseph Amos, 45; and a teenager, Essan Doland, all charged with stealing.

In Ondo, 57 -year-old Ayo Odunsi and Sola Ayemibo, who were standing trial for alleged murder, were pardoned based on legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), while Training Ebegbe and Okutu Elokumo, 32, charged with kidnapping, were released unconditionally on critical health grounds.

At the female custodian centre in Ondo, those released were a 29-year-old nursing mother, Grace Akinsanmi, charged with stealing and released on humanitarian grounds; Yusuf Sherif, 39, who was standing trial for concealing the death of a newborn baby for two years; and Opeyemi Oguntimoju, 32, Olasunkanmi Kolawole, Joy Anthony, and Bukola Oyatunde, who were charged with stealing and were pardoned.

Others released were Adams Isiaka, 33, standing trial for unlawful possession of firearms; Edet Ezekiel, 25, charged with breach of peace; Samuel Kastin, Gbenga Dadeni, 44, Mukaila Yisa, 28, Tunde Ibrahim, 41, Philip Samuel, 28, Samson Paul, 25, Joseph Okon, 25, Emmanuel Okuti, 34, Emmanuel Peter, 22, John Fanen, 34, and Biliaminu Muhammed, 42, all charged with stealing.

In Okitipupa, a 63-year-old Muhammad Basiru, charged with kidnapping, was pardoned on health grounds, while Sunday Miracle, 20, Segun Adeniran, 30, James Anthony, 23, Goodness Sunday, Ibrahim Isaiaka, Adeluwoye Imoleyin, 21, Eze Emmanuel, and 10 other inmates standing trial for stealing were released unconditionally.

This act highlights the state government, led by Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair treatment within the correctional system.

” It is a progressive approach to justice and rehabilitation within Ondo State, marking a new chapter in the state’s commitment to humane and equitable legal practices.

The pardon not only offers a second chance but also reflects the government’s dedication to upholding the principles of justice and fairness.