Justice Iyabode Yerima, the Chief Judge of Oyo State on Wednesday ordered the release of 174 prison inmates across the state.
At Agodi Maximum Custodial Centre in Ibadan, 97 inmates were released while 77 inmates were released from Abolongo Custodial Centre, Oyo.
Justice Yerima, gave the release order when she led a team to the correctional facilities.
The two-day exercise was part of a state-wide initiative targeting inmates held in prolonged pre-trial detention or battling severe health issues.
It also sought to tackle the problem of overcrowding— Agodi prison, built for just 350 inmates, currently houses over 1,400.
Representing the Chief Judge, Justice A.L. Akintola addressed the newly released inmates, describing their freedom as a rare act of mercy.
“This is an uncommon favour. Many remain in custody, but grace found you. Don’t take this opportunity for granted,” he said.
He encouraged the freed individuals to embrace lawful means of livelihood and strive for personal growth.
“Aliko Dangote and Bola Ahmed Tinubu were born just like you. Start small, think big, and grow gradually,” he said.
Justice Akintola also gave a stern warning against returning to crime
“You may not be this lucky next time,” he told them.
Mr. Ayoola Dare Opadeji, the State Controller of Corrections, expressed gratitude to the judiciary, revealing that 77 inmates had already been released from the Abolongo Custodial Centre in Oyo as part of the same initiative.
He expressed hope that more deserving inmates would benefit in the future.
The Chief Judge’s representative wrapped up the visit by urging the former inmates to acquire skills, earn an honest living, and reintegrate responsibly into society.
The exercise, Justice Akintola said, was not just a legal formality—it was a call to personal transformation and community accountability.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
