Decongestion: We freed 149 inmates in last legal year – Ogun Chief Judge

The Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, disclosed that to decongest correctional centers in the state, no fewer than 149 inmates were released through its jail delivery exercises.

Justice Dipeolu revealed this at a merit award and retirement ceremony held at the judiciary complex, Abeokuta, on Monday.

The awardees were 23 judicial officers and staffers, including gardeners and security officers of the state judiciary.

DAILY POST reports that the ceremony was part of activities ushering in the new 2025/2026 legal year.

Admitting that the previous legal year was filled with tests, Justice Dipeolu stated that the challenges were turned into stepping stones.

She reeled out their achievements in the last year, saying there was also an appointment of three honorable judges of the High Court and 15 judicial research officers, and setting up of virtual courts at Abeokuta, Sagamu, Idi-Oke, Ojodu Abiodun, Ota, and Ifo judicial divisions.

The Chief Judge said, “The past legal year was not without its tests. They were tests of our resilience, our adaptability, and our unwavering faith in the rule of law. However, I stand before you today, immensely proud to declare that we have not only endured; we have advanced.

“We have turned challenges into stepping stones, and today’s ceremony is a testament to that In the last one year, our focus has been sharp and deliberate: to build a judiciary that is not only efficient but also deeply empathetic and accessible to every citizen of Ogun State.

“Our strides, achieved through your collective effort, speak volumes: Appointment of three (3) Honourable Judges of the High Court, appointment of fifteen (15) Judicial Research Officers, release of one hundred and forty-nine (149) inmates from the correctional centres in Ogun State through the continuing jail delivery exercise.

“Installation of verbatim recording system in High Courts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8, Abeokuta Judicial Division, setting up of virtual Courts at Abeokuta, Sagamu, Idi-Oke, Ojodu Abiodun, Ota, and Ifo judicial divisions.

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Distribution of 22 laptops to Magistrates and Judicial Research Officers (JROs) health insurance plan for Magistrates, Presidents Legal and Judicial Research Officers, commissioning of High Court and Magistrate Court, Ojodu Abiodun and issuance of the bondsmen regulations and practice directions 2025”.

The Chief Judge bided farewell to all retirees, expressing gratitude for their years of dedicated service, saying “Although their absence will be felt, we take solace in the fact that they are leaving behind legacies that will continue to inspire and guide us”.

Decongestion: We freed 149 inmates in last legal year – Ogun Chief Judge