17th June, 2015
Henry Ojelu
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade on Wednesday freed 21 inmates of the Kirikiri Medium Prisons, Lagos, western Nigeria.
The release was in exercise of the powers conferred on her under Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2007.
Most of the inmates released were those who have spent more time than they would have if convicted of the crimes for which they are facing trial.
Admonishing the lucky inmates, Justice Atilade urged them to keep away from crime and henceforth be of good behaviour.
She retated her commitment to an effective justice system delivery where the courts work efficiently and the prisons are not congested.
Atilade said her visit to the prison to release inmates would be a continuous exercise.
“Those of you released should henceforth be of good behaviour. The state government is committed to a crime free Lagos and anyone found committing crime will be arrested and prosecuted,” she said.
The CJ also appealed to non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders working with the prisons authority to ensure that those released are properly re-integrated into the society.
There are 2452 inmates currently in the prison. Out of these, 92 have been convicted, 2349 are awaiting trial, 32 are detainees, while 21 are lodgers. The prison has a 1700 capacity.