(Last Updated On: )

An Ibadan-based lawyer in Oyo State, Olutayo Oyewàle, has petitioned the Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, over allegations of compromise and perversion of Justice by the staff of Ilesa Custodial Centre in Osun State.
In a petition dated September 9, 2024, Oyawale, who is the counsel to Olagunsoye Ajibola and Daramola Oyindamola, further alleged that the staff were trying to circumvent the law.
A copy of the petition, which was obtained by our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, called for proper investigations and sanctions if affected staffers are found guilty.
It was stated that Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara of Court 1, Osogbo had in a suit number MOS/200c/2024 between Commissioner of Police and Samson Adediji and Adeoti Adebise Awanat granted bail to the latter.
They were arraigned on charges bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money amounting to N25 million, under pretence. They were granted bail the same day.
According to the petitioner, Counsel to the two Defendants was unable to perfect the bail conditions and so they were ordered remanded in the Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions granted.
It was stated in the petition that rather than meeting the bail condition, the Osun State NCS, has allegedly written a letter to the court seeking an unconditional release of the defendant.
It was stated on August 16, 2024, when the matter was meant to come up for continuation of hearing, the 2nd defendant feigned sickness in the dock and without any court order, the 2nd defendant was taken away in a private car by her husband to an unknown destination and was not returned to the Correctional Facility.
The statement read in part, “We are not oblivious of the fact that a defendant who needs medical attention should be accorded same, being his right as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended).
“However, such right should not be exercised at large. Surprisingly, the court was also kept in the dark as regards the arrangement made between the Correctional Centre and the 2nd Defendant, as the 2nd Defendant whose liberty is still under restraints has been let loose by men of the Correctional Centre, Osun command without a valid Court order to that effect.
“On September 2, 2024, when the matter came up for hearing, the 2nd defendant was not present in court, but a letter was written to the Magistrate from the Correctional Centre stating that the 2nd Defendant had given birth and was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.”
The ‘Annexure A’ letter signed by A.A.Alade, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ilesa, Osun state, dated 29th August 2024 was read in the open court by the Magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara. Captioned: “Notification of baby delivery of Adeoti Adebisi Awanat”, CHARGE NO: MOS/200c/2024, the letter read thus, “I am directed to inform you that the above-named Inmate in Ilesa Custodial Centre had been delivered a baby on 29th August 2024. She is currently at the Hospital receiving treatment after the Caesarian Session. This is for your information, Sir.
“The pertinent question comes to the mind of our clients thus: what happens if the 2nd Defendant decides to run away, who takes the blame and the responsibility? We request a discreet investigation of the activities of your men at Osun State Command and all unholy connivance be sanctioned with appropriate discipline”, the petitioner stated.
The post Petition Alleges Osun NCS Staff Circumvented Law, Facilitated Defendant’s Unconditional Release appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.