The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free legal representations to awaiting trial inmates in the State, especially prisoners who have taken advantage of the plea bargain policy aimed at ensuring a quicker release from custody than a full trial.
The Director of Citizens Rights (DCR), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Odusanya, disclosed this during the quarterly visitation of the Agency to Ikoyi, Kirikiri and Badagry correctional centres in the State.
Mrs. Odusanya, represented by the duo of Assistant Director, Mrs. Yetunde Alonwole and Chief State Counsel, Mrs. Adewunmi Odunaiya, stated that the Directorate of Citizens Rights (DCR), in conjunction with the Office of Public Defender (OPD) and Community Service Unit (CSU), will ensure that awaiting trial inmates have access to free legal representation.
She noted that the quarterly visitation to the three correctional centres as approved by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), is geared towards free access of the inmates, irrespective of gender, faith or social status, to justice.
The Director explained that the Ministry of Justice is manned by competent lawyers and scores of administrative and support staff, who are adequately skilled to provide on-the-spot advice to awaiting trial inmates, urging the inmates to take advantage of the benefits offered by the State government in accessing justice irrespective of their status.
She averred that the Lagos State Government is determined to decongest the correctional centres due to the high percentage of incarcerated individuals, who are yet to be convicted by any law court through the prison watch services of the Directorate.
“The Directorate also conducts prison watch services to ensure that inmates are kept under humane conditions and their fundamental human rights are not violated, especially awaiting trial inmates that are presumed innocent until convicted by a law court”. Odusanya said.
Also speaking, the Assistant Controller in charge of Ikoyi Corrections, ACC. Dare Opadeji expressed his gratitude on behalf of the inmates to the Lagos State Government, Attorney-General and the Directorate of Citizens Rights, Ministry of Justice, saying that the periodic visits give hope of freedom to the inmates, particularly those awaiting trial.
The Controller also appealed to the Lagos State Government to intervene urgently and provide legal representation to inmates charged with minor crimes but are in confinement due to their inability to afford legal support during their hearings in court.
The high point of the visit was the distribution of household items like Antiseptic disinfectants, Air fresheners, Insecticides, Toothbrushes, Slippers, Hand sanitisers, Shaving sticks, Sanitary towels, Detergents, Brooms and other materials to the inmates by the Directorates of Citizens Rights’ team.
