The Edo Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, has freed two inmates from the Oko Correctional Centre in the state South Senatorial district.
The two inmates are Shaibu Adams and Musa Ibrahim.
Adams, a 27-year-old from Akwa Ibom, was charged with alleged kidnapping and remanded on July 3, 2023.
He, however, spent one year, 10 months, and 10 days without being taken to court after his remand order.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the state also charged him with alleged stealing of a cell phone. Adams claimed he was arrested on his way back from work.
Justice Okungbowa ruled that Adams had spent more time than he would have if convicted and subsequently discharged and freed him.
The judge emphasised the importance of decongestion of custodial centres by ensuring that persons awaiting trial were not detained unnecessarily.
Ibrahim, a 22-year-old from Kogi State, was charged with alleged burglary and remanded on January 16, 2024.
He spent one year, three months, and 28 days after being ordered to be remanded without going to court.
Justice Okungbowa also ruled that Ibrahim had spent more time than he would have if convicted of the alleged offense and released him.
The Edo Chief Judge noted that he was aware of the challenges facing the correctional facility, particularly the lack of sufficient vehicles to convey inmates to court.
He promised to continue impressing upon the relevant authorities to address this burden.
The Deputy Controllers of the Oko and Benin facilities requested more vehicles to ease the movement of inmates to and from courts.
Enodiakemhe, the Deputy Controller of the Benin facility, said, “The two centres had strong logistical challenges, with only two mini Green Marias to convey inmates to over 52 courts spread across the seven local government areas of Edo South Senatorial District.”
Justice Okungbowa affirmed his commitment to ensuring that no one stays in custody longer than necessary unless prescribed by law.
