The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, on Tuesday ordered the release of 17 inmates from Ilorin Custodial Centre in Okekura and the Mandala Custodial Centre, as part of efforts to decongest the state’s correctional facilities.
During visits to the centres, Justice Adebara granted conditional freedom to eight inmates, fully discharged two from the old Ilorin Custodial Centre, and released four from Mandala, while two others were conditionally discharged in Mandala.
The Chief Judge explained that those freed included inmates who had been held for long periods without trial, persons with health challenges, and individuals without credible charges against them.
“The exercise is part of the judiciary’s statutory duty to decongest correctional facilities and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” Adebara said.
He urged stakeholders in the justice system to collaborate more closely to handle criminal cases diligently and prevent unnecessary delays and prolonged detention for those awaiting trial.
He also commended the officers and personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service for their cooperation, reaffirming the Kwara State Judiciary’s commitment to protecting human rights and promoting the rule of law.
The state controller of corrections, Tolorunshagba Emmanuel, thanked Justice Adebara for the visit and the releases, advising the freed inmates to embrace positive change and avoid actions that could return them to custody.
