The Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu has granted amnesty to three inmates during prison visit and jail delivery exercise, at the Ilaro Correctional Centre, Ilaro, while those released are Joseph Apan, Nureni Oladosu and Babatunde Fagbayi.
Penpushing reports that Dipeolu, who was accompanied by Judges, Director of Public Prosecution, management and officials, including the Controller and Assistant Controller, Correctional Centre, explained that the amnesty was part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities across the state.
The Chief Judge decried the dire conditions plaguing correctional facilities, stressing that government cannot afford to have deaths on is hands due to overcrowding, noting that the conditions at the correctional centre have not improved.
‘We cannot afford to have deaths on our hands due to overcrowding. The conditions here at the correctional centre have not improved. It is evident that overcrowding is rampant, even without official statistics. This overcrowding particularly concerns those awaiting trial, as they suffer without having been found guilty”.
Penpushing further reports that Dipeolu promising swift action against decongestion noted that while courts work to expedite cases, root cause of congestion must be addressed, while noting that some individuals had been awaiting trial since 2018, a situation, which according to her, was unacceptable.
The Controller Correctional Centre, Mr. Saliu Adepoju, in his remarks appreciated the chief Judge and her entourage for the exercise and upholding the ethics of the Judiciary.
Penpushing also reports that in a related development Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade has called on need for Investigators and prosecutors to synergise in the delivery of quality criminal trial for managing social order has been stated.
The Commissioner made this known at the closing of a two- day worship on ‘Efficient Prosecution of Criminal Cases for Law and Police Officers, as well as the Public Prosecutions Officers in the Ministry of Justice’, held in Abeokuta
Penpushing reports that Ogungbade said inadequate investigation had hampered effective criminal justice delivery and administration, adding that it was imperative to boost capacity of police investigators and prosecutors at all times for the efficiency of the judicial system.
The Attorney-General, emphasised genuine collaboration among justice stakeholders, pointing out that the smaller group sessions had provided proactive solutions to improve the criminal justice system.,
‘The intensive sessions focus on equipping relevant stakeholders with essential skills and strategies for effective investigation, leading to successful prosecution of criminal cases. The workshop is not a criticism for any team, rather it was scheduled as we have seen benefits of cooperation between Police and the Ministry of Justice”, he said.
Penpushing further reports that Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, in his remarks emphasised the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement among prosecutors and state councils, calling for teamwork to achieve success in handling criminal cases, especially in matters like rape among others.
The Permanent Secretary suggested strategy of plea bargaining when facing challenges with witnesses, stressing the importance of prosecutors bringing relevant facts to the court’s attention for better protection of both witnesses and defendants.
Penpushing also reports that the Resource Person, Justice Ayoola Babawale delivering lecture titled, The role of a Prosecutor in the administration of criminal justice’, disclosed that crime was a global and national challenge that threatened the economic, political as well as social security of a nation,
The guest lecturer, who is a Judge in High Court, Abeokuta Division, Justice Ayoola Babawale, pointed out that prosecutors play vital roles to keep society crime-free and help in the administration of justice.
Penpushing further reports that Babawale noted that part of the duties of a prosecutor was to ensure that evidence was available in court, have knowledge of facts and applicable law, in respect of cases brought to charge, advising them to update themselves on tools that would enhance their duties, so as to ensure justice was served.
The Director, Public Prosecutions Department, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, in her contributions stated that the role of a prosecutor begins with issuance of legal advice, while the responsibility of issuing the legal advice would be done by the Attorney-General of the federation or state, as the case may be.
Penpushing also reports that a Principal State Counsel in Public Prosecutions Department, Ms Temitope Adeyemi, while reacting said the workshop was interactive and that she had gained more knowledge on prosecution of criminal cases.
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