In a bid to decongest prisons in Edo State, the Edo Chief Justice Daniel Okungbowa has said the administration of criminal justice extends beyond conviction and punishment, as it encompasses the protection of constitutional rights and the duty to ensure that no citizen is deprived of liberty unjustly.
The Chief Judge, who is also the Chairman of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, made the remark while conducting a jail delivery exercise at the Oko and the Benin Correctional Centres, which resulted in the release of some inmates after a careful review of their cases.
The exercise was part of efforts to decongest custodial centres, reduce prolonged pre-trial detention, and strengthen fairness, equity, and human dignity within the justice system in Edo State.
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The correctional system is designed for the reformation of offenders; however, the justice process also demands that no individual remain in custody without lawful justification or a trial.
It was from this constitutional and humanitarian standpoint that the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, alongside Judges, on Tuesday visited the Oko and the Benin Custodial Centres to conduct a jail delivery exercise.
The Chief Judge, in his speech, said he carried out the exercise in line with the mandate of the committee as provided under Section 470 subsection 2 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Edo State, 2016.
He explained that the exercise involved a detailed review of inmates’ case files and detention records, with particular focus on those awaiting trial for prolonged periods, minor offences, or cases where continued detention could no longer be justified in law.
“What is done now is constitutional as room should not be given to unnecessary long detention without trials, thereby depriving the suspect of his rights”
The Deputy Comptroller of Corrections, Benin Medium Security Custodial Centre, DCC IDOWU ENODIAKEMHE, alongside others, noted that the exercise further strengthens public confidence in the justice system by ensuring that detention is not abused and that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
Some of the inmates released expressed gratitude, describing the exercise as a turning point and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
“We are happy that we are regaining freedom today and reuniting with our family, and we thank the chief judge for looking into our cases and considering fit and proper to be released.”
The Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, through such interventions, continues to play a critical role in ensuring effective case management, reducing congestion in custodial centres, and promoting timely dispensation of justice.
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