BY ANTHONY OJO.
Thirty one awaiting trial inmates at the Nigeria Correctional Facility in Ado-Ekiti have been released, while three others were granted bail on prerogative of mercy of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice John Adeyeye.
Justice Adeyeye who granted them pardon during a visit to the Custodial Centre released them after reviewing five hundred and seven cases of awaiting trial inmates.
Justice Adeyeye said the cases of those who were pardoned were carefully reviewed and they were freed because their offences do not guarantee long stay in custody.
He noted that the step was part of measures to decongest Correctional Centre.
Justice Adeyeye urged them to be of good conduct after their release.
He told Judges and Magistrates to stop making civil servants as sureties in cases, calling on them to shun use of old law charges like wandering, wounding and jumping fence among others.
The Chief Judge also advised lawyers and prosecutors to be familiar with the laws of the state to avoid ambiguity.
While speaking, the Controller of Corrections, Nigeria Correctional Service, Ekiti State command, Mr. Joseph Ojo who was represented by Assistant Controller of Corrections Atinaro Titus appreciated the Ekiti State chief Judge for the gesture which he said would go a long way to stabilize the emotions of the inmates who were yet to regain their freedom.
In an interview, the Commissioner in charge of Public Complaints Commission, PCC in Ekiti State, Honourable Kayode Bamisile said part of those pardoned were some of the cases which the Commission took up to ensure fair hearing for the inmates.
Represented by the Director in charge of Public Sector, Mr. Isaac Anifowose, Honourable Bamisile pointed out that it was part of the mandates of the Public Complaints Commission to ensure that Justice is done and delivered to members of the Public without delay.
“We have visited the Correctional Facility and when we got there, we discovered that there were some pathetic cases which we registered and we sent letters to the appropriate quarters that the cases were not treated the way they should, but we thank God that part of those whose cases were taken up were freed”.
The PCC Commissioner in Ekiti State said the Chief Judge had promised to always carry the commission along anytime such exercise would take place.
Honourable Bamisile however enjoined members of the public to always contact the PCC on their unsettled complaints.
The freed inmates who were visibly happy appreciated the state Chief Judge and of course the Public Complaints Commission for the intervention which led to their freedom.
