The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ogun State, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), stated that the government will speed up the process to quicken the trial of inmates in courts in order to reduce the overcrowding in correctional centres in the state.
Ogungbade, stated in a Thursday statement, mentioned during a visit to the Ibara and Oba Correctional Centres.
He shared that the current administration is dedicated to focusing on addressing the long-standing issues affecting correctional centres.
The commissioner was joined by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mr Toyese Owoade, Mr Ope Owotumi; Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Ms Toyin Aiyepola and Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole.
Ogungbade suggested that efforts would be increased to enhance the centres.
He mentioned, “This visit was necessary to evaluate the correctional facilities and gain insights into the issues affecting them as government is determined to continue to serve as a beacon of hope for both the staff and inmates.
“Various initiatives are in the pipeline to streamline legal processes and speed up appearance of prisoners in courts for hearing and we are promising that the Ministry would facilitate the smooth transfer of prisoners to court when needed.
“This approach will allow us to understand the multifaceted issues affecting the correctional system and formulate targeted strategies for improvement.”
The commissioner requested collaboration between the ministry and correctional authorities to uphold the rights and dignity of inmates, while ensuring public safety, saying the government was committed to championing reforms that promote fairness, efficiency and rehabilitation within the criminal justice system.
In his remarks, the Controller of the Correctional Centre in the state, Mr. Saliu Adepoju, thanked the commissioner and his entourage for the visit, pledging to be more dedicated to upholding the ethics of the centre.
