Ekiti State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, has ordered the release of 57 awaiting-trial inmates during an official visit to the Federal Correctional Centre, Ado Ekiti.

The Comptroller of Corrections in Ekiti, CC Oluremi Christy Okuseinde, described the visit as impactful, noting that it would bring relief to some inmates. She highlighted the overcrowding at the facility, which houses 922 inmates despite a capacity of 324, and called on authorities to provide additional facilities.

Okuseinde also urged Justice Ogunmoye and the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice to leverage their positions to establish more cells and buildings, enhancing proper classification of inmates and supporting effective sentence planning, reformation, and rehabilitation.

During the visit, Justice Ogunmoye reviewed 518 cases, including 511 male and 7 female inmates. Of these, six were granted bail, nine were released due to having no case to answer, and 42 were unconditionally released based on health concerns or minor offenses.

The Chief Judge expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the legal unit of the Nigerian Police Force, the Director of Public Prosecutions, lawyers from both the private and official bars, court registrars, and others for their support. He also commended the Comptroller for maintaining a hygienic environment and ensuring the inmates’ wellbeing.

Justice Ogunmoye advised the released inmates to become responsible citizens, warning that the law would catch anyone who engages in criminal activity in Ekiti State.

Those present at the exercise included the Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN, High Court judges, the Director of the Legal Aid Council in Ekiti State, Mr. Adeyinka Opaleke, magistrates, and other officials.