Edo CJ frees inmate from detention after 4 years of awaiting trial

The Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa has ordered the release of an inmate, Saliu Akande, detained at the Auchi Medium Security Correctional Centre for four years over alleged rape.

Okungbowa ordered that the inmate be released due to the non-availability of his case file and charges against him when he visited the facility on Thursday in Auchi.

According to him, the visit was part of efforts to decongest the correctional centre and promote speedy dispensation of justice.

“Section 470 (2) of Edo State Administration of Law 2018 has entrusted us with the mandate to ensure the criminal matters are speedily dealt with and congestion of criminal cases in courts are drastically reduced.

“Since my assumption of office, I have together with members of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee worked assiduously to ensure that our mandate is accorded much-desired seriousness.

“To this end, my avowed and unalloyed commitment is that no one is made to remain here one day longer than necessary unless as prescribed by law,” Okungbowa said.