From Kayemo News
The new Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ekiti State Command, CC Ajeleti Adebukola Alaba, has called for stronger collaboration with the judiciary to improve justice delivery and address severe overcrowding at the state’s Correctional facility.
CC Ajeleti made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, in his office in Ado-Ekiti today.
Describing the judiciary as a critical stakeholder in effective and efficient justice delivery, the Comptroller said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing harmonious relationship between the judiciary and the Nigerian Correctional Service. She commended the Chief Judge for his efforts in decongesting the correctional centre and for his commitment to the rule of law, assuring that the Command remains equally committed to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She requested judicial support in three key areas, inmate production, speedy dispensation of cases, and the implementation of non-custodial sentences.
Highlighting the state of overcrowding, CC Ajeleti disclosed that the facility, built to accommodate 324 inmates, currently houses 922 inmates, with 573 of them awaiting trial. She appealed for accelerated hearings for awaiting trial inmates and urged that offenders with lesser offences be considered for non-custodial sentences to ease congestion.
The Comptroller also pleaded with the Chief Judge to liaise with relevant authorities to facilitate the establishment of additional correctional centres in Ekiti State, noting that such facilities are already operational in other states.
Responding, Hon. Justice Ogunmoye welcomed the new Comptroller and assured her of the judiciary’s continued cooperation. He noted that the Nigerian Correctional Service and the judiciary are two critical pillars in the criminal justice system.
He stated that the Ekiti judiciary has been making regular visits to the facility to aid decongestion and promised to conduct another visit soon.
On non-custodial sentences, the Chief Judge said, Ekiti Magistrates have been diligent in their application.
He further pledged to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders on the establishment of more correctional facilities, adding that arrangements are at an advanced stage to inaugurate the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee, where such issues would be addressed.
Present at the meeting were Hon. Justice Adeniyi Familoni, Mr. Lanre Owoleso, Mr. Daramola Oluwatomiwa, ACC Olutope Amele, ACC Agbana, and CNC Owoeye, among others.