Ogun Judiciary Frees 356 Inmates In Two Years, Emphasizes Justice Reform

ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Judiciary has released a total of 356 inmates from correctional centers across the state in the past two years, as part of efforts to decongest prisons and uphold the rights of individuals.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Jail Delivery Exercise, held at the conference hall of Ogun State Judiciary Complex, Kobape, Abeokuta, Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu emphasized the importance of protecting personal liberty and ensuring justice is served.

Justice Dipeolu stressed that prolonged pre-trial detention and prison congestion undermine public confidence in the administration of justice, citing constitutional provisions and international human rights instruments that guarantee personal liberty.

She noted that the judiciary’s efforts have led to the release of 316 inmates between 2024 till date, with 29 released on December 15, 2025, and additional 11 released on Wednesday.

She pointed out that, the 356 was more than twice the capacity of Sagamu Correctional Centre, which stands at 150.

Justice Dipeolu praised stakeholders, including the Sub-Committee on Decongestion of Correctional Centres, for their dedication to strengthening the administration of justice in Ogun State.

The Chief Judge urged stakeholders to remain committed to upholding the Constitution, personal liberty, and human dignity, emphasizing that justice must be done, seen, felt, and trusted by the people.

According to her, the event marks a significant step towards justice reform and protecting human rights in Ogun State.

She maintained that, the Jail Delivery Exercise was not an act of benevolence nor an indulgence of discretion, but constitutionally anchored on judicial responsibility designed to review cases, eliminate unjustified detention, and reaffirm public trust in the justice system.

“This exercise represents one of the most critical judicial mechanisms for safeguarding the rule of law, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring that justice is not undermined by delay, neglect, or procedural inertia.

“The administration of justice must never be perceived solely as an instrument of punishment. Rather, it must embody fairness, equity, rehabilitation, and respect for human dignity.

“A justice system that disregards personal liberty ultimately erodes its own legitimacy.

“The right to personal liberty occupies a central and inviolable position within our constitutional framework. Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) guarantees the liberty of every person and strictly circumscribes the circumstances under which such liberty may be lawfully curtailed.

“This provision is not ornamental; it is mandatory and binding on all authorities. This constitutional guarantee is further reinforced by international and regional human rights instruments, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which has been domesticated and forms part of our municipal law.

“This Jail Delivery Exercise of is therefore neither an act of benevolence nor an indulgence of discretion. It is a constitutionally anchored judicial responsibility designed to review cases, eliminate unjustified detention, and reaffirm public trust in the justice system. It serves as a corrective mechanism through which the judiciary ensures that correctional facilities do not become warehouses for forgotten citizens.

“Between 2024 and date, continuous Jail Delivery Exercises and Intervention Week sittings conducted by Magistrates have facilitated the release of 316 inmates across five correctional centres in Ogun State. On Monday, 15th December, 2025, 29 inmates were released from the Oba and Ibara Correctional Service Centres.

“Today’s exercise builds upon these achievements, as additional awaiting-trial inmates have been identified as deserving of release.

“Furthermore, an Intervention Week is currently ongoing in Ilaro, where eight designated Magistrates are sitting over selected criminal cases in a sustained effort to decongest the Ilaro Correctional Centre.

“These figures represent more than mere statistics; they signify restored liberty, reunited families, and the reaffirmation of constitutional values. As Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, JSC (of blessed memory), memorably stated, “Justice is not a one-way traffic; it is not justice for the accused alone nor justice for the society alone, but justice for all.”

Justice Dipeolu, however, enjoined the freed inmates to embrace their freedom as a turning point with more responsibility.