Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, has released 16 inmates during a visit to the old Ilorin Custodial Center in Okekura and the new Ilorin Custodial Center in Mandala.
The release, aimed at decongesting correctional facilities took place on Monday and Tuesday, and saw eight inmates granted conditional freedom, two were fully discharged in the old Ilorin Custodial Center, while four were discharged from the New Ilorin Custodial Center with two inmates discharged conditionally in Mandala.
Justice Adebara explained that those released included inmates who had been held for long without trial, those with health challenges, and those without credible charges against them.
The exercise was part of the judiciary’s statutory duty “to decongest correctional facilities and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” Justice Adebara stated during the visit.
He called on key stakeholders in the justice system to collaborate closely and handle criminal cases with greater diligence to prevent unnecessary delays and prolonged detentions for those awaiting trial.
The Chief Judge also praised the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their cooperation and commitment, reaffirming the Kwara State Judiciary’s dedication to protecting human rights and advancing the rule of law.
The State Controller of Corrections, Tolorunshagba Femi Emmanuel, thanked Justice Adebara for the visit and the releases, advising the freed inmates to embrace positive change and avoid actions that could lead them back to incarceration.