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Lagos CJ orders release of 10 awaiting trial inmates

By Yetunde Ayobami Ojo
30 December 2015   |   11:50 pm
REPRIEVE came the way of 10 inmates awaiting trial in Ikoyi Prison as the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, yesterday ordered their release and charged them to make positive impact in the society.
Justice Funmilayo Atilade

Justice Funmilayo Atilade

REPRIEVE came the way of 10 inmates awaiting trial in Ikoyi Prison as the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, yesterday ordered their release and charged them to make positive impact in the society.

The visit by the chief judge was to decongest the prison to ensure some inmates are freed.
The release of inmates is pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

While releasing them, she admonished the freed inmates to be of good behaviour and make positive impact in the society.
“In congratulating the beneficiaries of today’s exercise, I must note that they are being given another opportunity to start afresh, more so as it is coming on the eve of a new year.
“I do sincerely hope and pray that those being granted amnesty today will be of good conduct and would do no such thing capable of bringing them back into prison.”

The CJ stated that steps have been taken by the judiciary to facilitate speedy trials and dispensation of cases to ensure a drastic reduction in the number of awaiting trial inmates.
“The newly introduced Bail Information Management System (BIMS) is a ground-breaking innovation to improve the administration of criminal justice in Lagos State.
“Aside guaranteeing ease of access to relevant information as may be required for effective bail management, it is intended to eliminate all known challenges in criminal prosecution.”

Atilade, however appealed to Office of the Public Defender, the Nigerian Bar Association and Non-Governmental Organisations to assist inmates whose cases are ongoing ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

Earlier, the Deputy Controller, Ikoyi Prisons, Mr. Julius Ezugwu, stated that the facility, which had a capacity for 800 inmates currently held 2,084 inmates.

According to him, the prison currently holds 2,084 inmates. The number of convicted inmates is 210 while those awaiting trial are 1,874.

Ezugwu also emphasised cordial working relationship between members of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) made of the police and judiciary, as well as the prisons department and other security agencies.

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