Group tasks Ambode on prisons decongestion

Lagos State chapter of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to decongest prisons in the state before leaving office on May 29.

Its Chairman, Comrade Alex Omotehinse gave the charge during a visit to the state government as part of activities to marking the group’s 30th anniversary yesterday.

He disclosed that a visit to Ikoyi and Kirikiri Maximum/Medium Prisons during the week showed that they were congested and urged the state government to intervene urgently.

Citing the recent killing of Kolade Johnson by the police in Mangoro area of Lagos, Omotehinse also condemned extra-judicial killings in the country.

He stated that most of the people in the Nigerian prisons committed minor offences and whose cases were still being delayed by Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who he said, has little or no time to go through their files.

“Today is the Day five of our 30th anniversary. CDHR was formed in 1989 when a unionist, now a lawyer, Femi Aborishade, was detained under Decree 2 of the Ibrahim Babangida junta,” he added.

Special Adviser to Ambode on Civic Engagement, Taiwo Aiyedun, commended members of the CDHR for their courage in fighting for the common man, adding that the state government identifies with their creed.