Okpebholo Orders Release Of Detainees To Decongest Prisons

To decongest custodian centres in the state, the Edo government has ordered the release of inmates held for years over bailable offences.

According to a government statement on Monday, the move is not only part of its correctional reform but also a humane intervention.

The government said it seeks to “restore dignity and give people a second chance at life”.

Also, the state government disclosed that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has streamlined the process of rendering legal opinions and initiating prosecutions.

“Through the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, suspects now enjoy immediate access to legal representation at the point of arrest, ensuring fairness and respect for human rights,” the government said.

This move, the government said, is aimed at making justice more accessible, efficient, and fair for all citizens.

“The vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo is clear: to build a secure and developed state through justice.

“That is why he has given full direction and backing to the Ministry to ensure justice becomes the lived reality of every Edo person,” said the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie.

The commissioner noted that these initiatives are evident in the operations of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The DPP, the statement revealed, is “currently handling over 2,000 active criminal cases, including murder, robbery, kidnapping, arson, and sexual violence.

“Dozens of convictions have already been secured and upheld by higher courts, demonstrating the diligence and efficiency of Edo prosecutors,” the government noted.

On the civil front, the state highlighted recent legislative interventions, including the extension of retirement age for magistrates and the establishment of new regulatory agencies.

Others include the amendments to property protection laws and the development of a new healthcare regulation framework.

The State’s Attorney-General was quoted as saying that the Citizens’ Mediation Centre and the Department of Citizens’ Rights have been strengthened to empower its citizens to resolve disputes, including domestic violence and workplace conflicts, without prolonged court processes.

Other initiatives include the retraining of state counsels at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, the establishment of an appeals office and plans for a digitised law library and e-case management system.

“By ensuring criminals are swiftly prosecuted, by defending citizens’ rights in civil cases, by reforming our laws, by mediating disputes before they escalate, and by giving voice to the vulnerable, the administration of Governor Okpebholo is sending a clear message that justice in Edo State is for all, not just the privileged few.

“The Edo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these reforms, assuring citizens that justice delivery will continue to be prioritised as a driver of peace, security, and sustainable development,” the statement said.

Okpebholo Orders Release Of Detainees To Decongest Prisons is first published on The Whistler Newspaper