7 Ikoyi Prison Inmates Regain Freedom

Seven Ikoyi prison inmates yesterday regained their freedom as part of efforts by the Chief Judge of Lagos state, Justice Inumidun Akande, to decongest the prisons. 

The Chief Judge’s gesture was part of activities to mark the 2011 Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch. 

Those granted freedom are  Ayuba Isiaka, Sunday Jonah, Emerson Timothy, Kazeem Lawrence, Olatokunbo Otutulorun, Idris Musa and Alaba Olofin. 

Akande stated that it was aimed at decongesting the prisons in order to alleviate the plight of the inmates. 

She said some of the inmates were remanded in prison custody for minor offences and could not meet their bail conditions. 

The Chief Judge noted that her administration was committed to the speedy execution of justice, adding that progress was being made to resolve the issue of awaiting trial inmates. 

Akande said: “we have made tremendous progress on account of that. We have reached out to the ministry of justice, the DPP to see where the problem lies and we are tackling the problem. We are meeting together to see how best the solution could be.” 

She assured the prison authorities of continuous support especially in the area of justice administration and commended the NBA, Ikeja Branch for facilitating the visit. 

In his address of welcome, Assistant Comptroller of Prisons, Mr Usman Aliu disclosed that the prison had 1,590 awaiting trial inmates and 109 convicts, with a total of 1,709 inmates. 

Aliu solicited the assistance of the Chief Judge regarding conveying inmates to face trial in areas such as Epe, adding that such cases should be transferred to Lagos Division. 

On his part, Mr Adegbamigbe Omole, Chairman, NBA, Ikeja Branch thanked the Chief Judge for releasing the detainees.

He said the gesture had brought smiles to the faces of their relatives. 

By Henry Ojelu