Oyo Chief Judge frees 77 inmates

The Chief Judge (CJ) of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, today ordered the release of 97 inmates, including four females, from the Agodi Correctional Facility in Ibadan.

The mass release, conducted on health and compassionate grounds, aims to alleviate the severe overcrowding at the facility.

Justice Yerima, who was represented by Justice Ladiran Akintola of the Oyo State High Court during the prison visit, emphasized the critical need to decongest the correctional center, which is currently operating significantly beyond its capacity.

“The facility here was originally designed to accommodate about 360 inmates, but today, they have up to 1,400 inmates,” she stated, highlighting the extent of the overpopulation.

The 97 inmates, who had been awaiting trial for various offenses, predominantly capital crimes, had their cases reviewed before their release.

Many of those freed on health grounds were battling chronic conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, and liver problems.

Addressing the newly liberated inmates, Justice Yerima encouraged them to seize the opportunity to turn a new leaf, urging them to avoid past mistakes and embrace skills acquisition to improve their lives.

“Not all the great people we have today had a rosy background. So, you should not let your background affect you negatively,” she advised.

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The Comptroller of Correction, Oyo State, CC Dare Opadeji, expressed his profound appreciation for the Chief Judge’s visit, noting that it was long-awaited by the inmates.

He also commended Justice Yerima’s efforts, stating, “The CJ did more than expected on Tuesday when 77 inmates were released at the Abolongo facility in Oyo. We also thank God and the judiciary for today’s own.”

This latest release builds on recent efforts by the Oyo State judiciary to address the pressing issue of prison congestion across the state’s correctional facilities.