The Chief Judge (CJ) of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, on Thursday, set 11 prison inmates free from the Badagry prison.

While setting them free, Justice Atilade charged them to return to the larger society and sin no more.

The freed inmates were Ekene Eze, Eze Onyejegbu, Femi Adeyanju, Sunkanmi Adefila, Abayomi Opeyemi, Saheed Muhammed, Nwankwo Godwin, Abubakar Dutse, Timothy Kosoko, Saka Ajide and Emmanuel Abayomi.

Speaking at the prison while setting free the deserving inmates, the CJ, who explained that the visit was part of her statutory duties to decongest prisons across the state, noted that the intention was to release those who were in prison for undue reasons.

Justice Atilade said the freedom was also to afford the freed inmates the opportunity to contribute positively to the society.

“The objective of this exercise will remain futile if they are not truly reformed.

“I urge those of you who have regained freedom today to remain good ambassadors of Nigeria and shy away from crimes that will bring you back to the prison.

“I also want you all to see this gesture as an opportunity to live a better life and begin afresh,” she said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller of Prisons (DCP) in charge of the Badagry Prison, Tinuoye Olumide Timothy, had explained that the total number of inmates as of the time of the visit was 370.

“One hundred and sixty-three inmates are on the awaiting trial list while 207 were already convicted,” he said.

“Infrastructural facilities is one major challenge confronting the prison, particularly lack of adequate vehicles.”

culled from: Tribune