The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Iyabode Yerima, has ordered the release of 78 inmates from the Agodi and Abolongo custodial centres in an effort to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities.
The exercise took place over two days, with 40 inmates freed from the Agodi Custodial Centre on Tuesday and another 38 released from the Abolongo Custodial Centre on Wednesday. Those released included individuals awaiting trial for bailable, non-capital offences who had spent more than four months in custody. Others were awaiting trial for capital offences for over two years, as well as inmates suffering from serious health conditions.
According to reports, the Agodi Custodial Centre was holding 957 inmates despite a capacity of 390, while Abolongo had 414 inmates (328 awaiting trial and 86 convicted) in a facility designed for only 160.
Representing the Chief Judge, Justice Ladiran Akintola explained that such visits are part of a periodic judicial exercise aimed at identifying deserving cases for release and reducing congestion. He added that the initiative is intended to become a quarterly routine to improve the justice system and ease pressure on correctional centres.
Justice Akintola congratulated the freed inmates but warned them not to misuse the opportunity, urging them to avoid returning to crime or seeking revenge on those involved in their cases. He also noted that a small financial token was provided to help them return home.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Oyo State, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, said lawyers participated in the exercise to ensure fairness, prevent abuse, and support proper decongestion while balancing public safety. He also stressed that bail orders should be executed promptly once conditions are met.
The Controller of Corrections in Oyo State, represented by Deputy Controller Mosunmola B’Olorunduro, praised the collaboration between the judiciary and correctional service, saying the release would ease overcrowding and improve rehabilitation efforts. Officials from Abolongo Custodial Centre also described the exercise as a valuable opportunity for the inmates, urging them to stay away from crime moving forward.
