Ogun Chief Judge seeks more correctional facilities as 316 inmates freed

Says jail delivery exercise frees 316 inmates so far

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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

The Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon Justice Modupe Dipeolu, on Monday called for the building of more correctional facilities to tackle the systemic challenge of congestion.

Justice Dipeolu said that though part of the duties of her office is to conduct a jail delivery exercise at least once a quarter as part of efforts to decongest correctional centres, the building of more facilities by the government would go a long way towards adequately addressing the issue of over‑congestion of these facilities.

She made this call while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abeokuta, shortly after she conducted jail delivery exercises at the Oba Correctional Centre, Oba, and Ibara Correctional Centre, Abeokuta.

The Chief Judge, who said that the exercise has played a pivotal role in addressing prolonged pre‑trial detention, overcrowded facilities and delayed court proceedings, disclosed that no fewer than 316 inmates have regained freedom so far from correctional facilities across the state through the ongoing jail delivery exercise.

While emphasising the importance of upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law in Ogun State, Justice Dipeolu said that the judicial special intervention was ongoing to ensure correctional centres in the state are decongested.

“The essence of our judicial system is to uphold these values while ensuring every individual receives fair treatment under the law.

According to her, the recent interventions include the release of 48 inmates in April 2024, 49 in November 2024 and 100 in May 2025. A notable intervention at Sagamu Correctional Centre, from 24 November to 5 December 2025, resulted in the release of 187 inmates, while 29 were released from both Oba and Ibara Correctional Centres on Monday.

She noted that another Special Intervention Week will be held in Ilaro Correctional Centre from 15 to 23 December 2025, targeting 235 cases.

“A few months ago, I received an SOS message from the Controller of Correctional Centres in Ogun State, complaining of high congestion in all five centres.

“We had an Intervention Week in Sagamu where eight magistrates sat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a week, releasing 187 inmates.

“We need government intervention to address prison congestion – the jail delivery exercise isn’t enough. We need more facilities, and that can only be done by the government,” the Chief Judge emphasised.

Justice Dipeolu, however, urged the released inmates to embrace discipline and responsibility.