FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Chief Judge, CJ, Daniel Okungbowa has freed two inmates from Oko Correctional Centre.
The two inmates are Shaibu Adams and Musa Ibrahim.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that Adams, a 27-year-old from Akwa Ibom State, was charged with alleged kidnapping and remanded on July 3, 2023.
However, he spent one year, 10 months and 10 days without being taken to court after his remand order.
The police charged him with alleged kidnapping, while the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, charged him with alleged stealing of a cell phone.
Adams told the Administration of Criminal Justice Ministry Monitoring Committee, ACJMC, that he was arrested on his way from work.
Justice Okungbowa ruled that he had spent more time than he would have if convicted and subsequently discharged and freed him.
Musa Ibrahim, a 22-year-old from Kogi State, was charged with alleged forcible entry and remanded on January 16, 2024.
Ibrahim spent one year, three months and 28 days after being ordered to be remanded without going to court.
Justice Okungbowa ruled that Ibrahim had spent more time than he would have if convicted of the alleged offense.
In his speech, he emphasized the importance of decongestion of custodial centers and ensuring that persons awaiting trial are not detained unnecessarily.
He affirmed his commitment to ensure that no one stays in custody longer than necessary unless prescribed by law.
The chief judge noted that he is aware of the challenges facing the correctional facility, particularly lack of sufficient vehicles to convey inmates to court.
He promised to continue impressing upon the relevant authorities to address this burden.
Deputy Controllers Ehovuomen Eromosele and Idowu Enodiakemhe of Oko and Benin facilities, respectively, requested more vehicles to ease the movement of inmates to and from courts.
Enodiakemhe stated that they have strong logistical challenges, with only two mini Green Marias to convey inmates to over 52 courts spread across the seven local government areas that make up Edo South Senatorial District.
