The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Iyabo Yerima, on Tuesday ordered the release of 40 inmates from the Agodi Correctional Facility, Ibadan, as part of ongoing efforts to decongest custodial centres across the state.
The exercise, conducted on her behalf by a judge of the Oyo State High Court, Ladiran Akintola, followed a routine quarterly visit to the facility, during which cases of inmates were reviewed for possible administrative and judicial discretion.
Speaking during the exercise, the Chief Judge explained that the delay in the first-quarter visit was due to scheduling conflicts and judicial responsibilities, adding that the court resumed the decongestion exercise early in the second quarter.
“Much as we tried in the first quarter of the year, because of conflicting judicial responsibilities, we were unable to visit then. That is why we came early this month to review cases at the correctional facility with the view to reducing congestion,” she said through the representative.
She added that inmates whose cases met the required criteria were considered for release, noting that the intervention was part of efforts to ensure humane conditions within custodial centres.
A total of 40 inmates were eventually freed after they were found eligible under the discretionary powers exercised by the Chief Judge.
Beneficiaries reportedly included persons with health challenges, those awaiting trial for bailable offences, and inmates who had spent several years in custody without conclusion of their cases.
The Chief Judge cautioned the released inmates to embrace rehabilitation and avoid actions that could return them to custody.
“I urge you to turn a new leaf, be of good behaviour, shun crime and ensure you do not return to the correctional facility for any reason,” she warned.
She also provided transport stipends to assist the freed inmates in returning to their various destinations.
The exercise was commended by stakeholders, including an executive of the Ibadan Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ibrahim Lawal, who described the visit as necessary and timely.
Lawal said regular inspection of correctional facilities helps prevent abuse of rights and reduces unnecessary congestion, particularly where inmates suffer prolonged detention.
He also raised concern over delays in the release of persons granted court bail or warrant of release, urging stricter compliance by correctional authorities and signalling possible legal action by the NBA.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development reflects a broader national challenge, as only about 35 per cent of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional facilities are convicts, while the remaining majority are awaiting trial—a situation widely linked to congestion in custodial centres.
Observers note that prolonged pre-trial detention, inadequate access to legal representation, and slow judicial processes continue to fuel overcrowding in correctional facilities across the country.
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