The Presidential Committee on Prisons Reforms and Decongestion has released additional 21 convicted inmates in Oko Minimum Prison at Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Committee led by the FCT Chief Judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, had earlier freed 32 convicted inmates in Benin Prison on Monday.
Ishaq explained that the option of fine given to the inmates, which could be not paid during their trials would now be paid by Gov. Godwin Obaseki.
The Committee, however, frowned at one of the convicts, Desmond Ekaria, who was sentenced for six months with option of fine of N25,000 over ‘intent to steal’.
Ishaq condemned the sentence, adding that the convict did not actually steal and he should not have been served such a punishment.
Those freed at Oko Prison committed various offences including conspiracy, breaking and entry, stealing, unlawful possession, threat of injury or detriment, and intent to steal
Their sentences ranged between three months to four years imprisonment with fine options of N20,000 to N380,000
Those freed were: Timothy Ihunrian, ovie Samson, Elvis Olaye, Monday Aigbichie, Yusuf Ibrahim, Thomas Tepong-Kunpeng, Friday Oisevbiomon, Raphael Shamiga, Oriakhi Okundaye, Timothy Omatsola, Wisdom John, Igbinovia Eghosa, Desmond Ekaria, Umar Mohammed, Wisdom Chibuzor, Musa Ibrahim, Dalami Moses Ogiekpolor Clinton, Efe Omoruyi Amaka Chukwuemeka, and Bright Agbanbe.
