Victor Ogunsuyi, an inmate of Oko Medium Correctional
Center, in Benin, Edo State who had spent more than 13 years awaiting trial,
was on Wednesday, November 7th set free by the State Chief Judge, Justice Esohe
Ikpomwen.
She gave the order
for his release during the on-going Correctional Service decongestion visit.
Ikpomwen also ordered the release of Joel Ogbeide, who had spent over six years
in custody awaiting trial. They were among four inmates set free by the outgoing
Chief Judge at the Okonkwo Centre.
Others include Moses
Okoro, whose case file was missing and had been in custody for over seven
years. Okoro was locked behind bar over his alleged involvement in the death of
Olaitan Oyerinde, the then Principal Private Secretary to former Governor Adams
Oshiomhole.
Following the inability of the State of Public Prosecution
(DPP), and the police to explain the mutilated figures and why he had multiple
warrants, Ikpomwen ordered his release, noting that “there is no justifiable
cause to hold him in custody.”
On his part, Joseph
Effiong, was released, following a review of a letter written by the DPP about
a year ago, “that there is no prima facie established against him.”
A total of 1,032
cases would be reviewed during the visit to various Correctional facilities
across the State by the outgoing Chief Judge. Earlier, the Deputy Controller of
Corrections in charge of the medium custodial centre, Mr. Godwin, Evboeruan,
explained reasons for the change of name of the Service, “as inmates will now
see the centre as a correctional one and not only set up to punish them.”
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