In a move stirring both relief and controversy, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, has granted pardon to 31 inmates awaiting trial across various correctional facilities in the state—including suspects facing charges of rape, armed robbery, and sexual exploitation.
The mass release took place during a two-day tour of custodial centres by the Chief Judge and his team. The facilities visited include the Olokuta Medium Correctional Centre in Akure, the Segede Custodial Centre, and the Female Custodial Centre in Ondo town.
According to The Hope Metro, 17 inmates were freed from the Olokuta facility alone, while 12 others were discharged in Ondo. Two inmates were granted bail and released to their mothers.
Justice Odusola explained that the exercise was part of routine judicial oversight and aimed at addressing human rights violations and access to justice concerns—particularly the high number of inmates languishing in custody without trial due to prosecutorial delays or lack of legal representation.
He noted that the pardons were granted on compassionate and medical grounds, as well as in cases where the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) had failed to diligently pursue prosecution.
“Many of these inmates have been unlawfully held for prolonged periods without trial. This visit is to ensure that no one is forgotten behind bars due to systemic lapses,” Odusola said.
Among those released was Lawal Tugal, 22, held for over three years on armed robbery charges, and Edwin Koja Agbor, 37, also facing armed robbery charges for more than four years. A 55-year-old man charged with rape was released on compassionate grounds, raising eyebrows among observers.
Several inmates battling serious health conditions such as chronic tuberculosis and HIV were also discharged from custody.
From the Female Custodial Centre, three women—Temitope Kolawole, 37; Victoria Okon, 24; and Rachael Faturoti, 38—were released unconditionally. Another inmate, Omotayo Aranla, diagnosed with epilepsy, was freed on medical grounds.
At Segede Correctional Centre, those released included Agada Sunday, 36; Emmanuel Solomon, 45; and Aliu Momoh, 65, a farmer who had been in custody for three years over allegations of sexual exploitation.
Others released include: Bisi Akinnolayan, 29, Salami Musa, 42, Kehinde John, 18, Wasiu Ayinde, 25, Mohammed Wahab, 38, Segun Owolabi, 32.
Reacting to the exercise, the State Comptroller of Corrections, Jude Agboje, commended the Chief Judge for his commitment to justice reform and his compassion for inmates stuck in the justice system without trial.
“Justice Odusola has shown rare humility and dedication to upholding the rule of law,” Agboje said, while appealing to the state government for more support towards improving facilities and prosecutorial efficiency.
