Lagos Chief Judge Frees 10 Prison Inmates

Ten prison inmates of the Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos, on Wednesday regained freedom through the gesture of the Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade. Justice Atilade explained that the gesture is intended at decongesting the prisons so as to make sure that deserving inmates are made to breathe the fresh air of freedom. The CJ charged the freed inmates to exhibit good behaviour and make positive impacts as they move back into the society. According to her, “In congratulating the beneficiaries of today’s exercise, I must note that they are being given another opportunity to start afresh, more so as it is coming on the eve of a new year. “I do sincerely hope and pray that those being granted amnesty today will be of good conduct and would do no such thing capable of bringing them back into prison.” Earlier in his remark, the Deputy Controller, Ikoyi Prisons, Julius Ezugwu, explained that the facility which had a capacity for 800 inmates currently held 2084 inmates. He added that, “The prison currently holds 2,084 inmates. The number of convicted inmates is 210 while those awaiting trial are 1,874. “The synergy and collaboration amongst us has translated into the orderly, stable and peaceful community that abounds in this prison.” The lucky freed inmates were set free pursuant to the provisions of Section 1 (1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.