Ekiti CJ grants amnesty to 33 inmates

TRACKING___In line with the instruction of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Mohammed, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, has freed 33 Inmates from Ado Ekiti correctional centre.

The breakdown of the freed inmates included 18 awaiting trials, 13 convicts and two were granted bail during the pardon on liberal terms.

A statement on Thursday by the Chief Registrar of the Ekiti State Judiciary, Mr Johnson Apuabi, said Justice Daramola gave the directive during his visit to the Correctional Centre, on Wednesday.

Justice Daramola said his visit to the Correctional Centre was practically in line with the directive of the CJN to decongest Correctional Centres across the country to stem the tide of COVID-19 spread and for general decongestion.

The Jurist added that the measure was taken at this appropriate time when the coronavirus is ravaging the entire country with the tally kept increasing on a daily basis.

He said: “13 Convicts were granted amnesty based on old age, others were pardoned based on the fact that their jail term is near completion.

“In all, 334 cases were reviewed, 18 were pardoned based on lesser offences committed ranging from burglary to stealing and theft, while two were granted bail on liberal terms.”

Justice Daramola stated that the visit was a low key event devoid of the crowd and done in compliance with the Ekiti State’s directive banning large gatherings.

“Those present adhered strictly to all values and regulations guiding the spread of coronavirus, ” he said.

The Chief Judge thanked officers of the correctional centre for maintaining hygienic condition.

Addressing the pardoned inmates, Justice Daramola reminded that many of them were incarcerated for belonging to bad groups, advising them to be good citizens and respect the laws of the land.