By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has freed two inmates from the Oko Correctional Centre after spending 22 months and 10 days in the facility.
The two inmates freed are Shaibu Adams and Musa Ibrahim.
Adams, a 27-year-old from Akwa Ibom, 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 Adams with alleged kidnapping, while the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state 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 back from work.
Justice Okungbowa ruled that Adams 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, Okungbowa stressed the importance of decongestion custodial centers and ensuring that persons awaiting trial are not detained unnecessarily.
He affirmed his commitment to ensuring that no one stays in custody longer than necessary unless prescribed by law.
The Edo Chief Judge noted that he is aware of the challenges facing the correctional facility, particularly the 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 the 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 of Edo South Senatorial District.
