COVID-19: Ekiti set to release low risk prisoners

The government of Ekiti state is set to release several low risk prisoners in the Ado Ekiti Correctional Center.

This disclosure was made in Ado Ekiti today by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda.

The commissioner declared that “the Governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi has directed the Ministry of Justice to immediately convene a meeting of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy with a view to identifying prisoners who may benefit from immediate release from the Ado Ekiti Correctional Centre.

“Mr. Governor is concerned about the possible impact of COVID-19 in Ado Ekiti Correctional Center. He has therefore, directed that additional measures be taken to decongest the facility.”

The attorney-general said that persons in detention are particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to him, these measures will not only help protect the prisoners, but also the staff of the correctional center, lawyers and others who provide support to the facility.

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“The Ministry of Justice will compile a list of identified prisoners for the consideration of the Advisory Council of Prerogative of Mercy slated for April 15. We will focus on prisoners on pre-trial detention for minor or low risk offences,” he added.

Fapohunda further stated that in order to ensure that no deserving prisoner is left behind, the Ministry of Justice will seek the active collaboration of the three branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in the state, the National Human Rights Commission, Legal Aid Council as well as civil society organisations working on prisoners’ rights.