Amosun weeps over conditions of prisoners in Ogun

MAY 29, 2014 BY NAN
Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on Thursday
broke into tears at the pitiable sight of inmates at
Oba prison in Abeokuta.
Amosun, who had earlier granted amnesty to 15
inmates at Ibara prison also in Abeokuta, could
not hold back his emotions at Oba prison over
what he described as the “inhuman condition” to
which the inmates were subjected.
The governor was informed that majority of the
492 inmates on awaiting trial list at the prison
had spent between four and seven years in jail.
He ordered immediate medical attention for the
inmates with critical medical conditions and
directed that others should be taken to the
hospital.
While conceding that prison services was under
the control of the Federal Government, Amosun
said it would be irresponsible of any leader to
neglect the conditions of prison inmates.
He expressed dismay at the deplorable state of
prisons saying it would not enhance rehabilitation
of inmates.
“I have come to share today with them and see if
I can commit death sentences passed on some of
them to life imprisonment based on the
recommendations from relevant quarters.
“I think it is a big shame and I feel so ashamed
really that I am a governor in this kind of
condition that I have seen.
“It is clear that these people are traumatised and
dehumanised under this very appalling condition.
“The condition here is like sending someone to an
early grave,” he said and promised to pay regular
visits to prisons.