Eight awaiting trial inmate free today in Oko by Edo CJ Cromwell Idahosa

The Edo state Chief Judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa‎, today set free 8 inmates from the Oko Medium Security Prison in Benin, during the visit of the Edo State Administration of Justice Committee.

The inmates were released during an inspection of facilities at the prison by members of the committee.

Those set free are, Isaiah ‎Michael, who was remanded for alleged armed robbery since January 10, 2009, and Mohammed Buba, having spent 5 years and 5 months in prison custody.


Also included were Christian Ikekiaye who spent 3 years and 8 months and Festus Abukari, who had spent 4 years and 2 months in prison custody for alleged armed robbery.

Others were Otamere Iyase, ‎Ali Bello, Abubakar Ali and Ajauro Unuahro, who had spent a year and six months and was said to have no case to answer.

One of the freed inmates, Buba, told the committee that he was arrested while selling onions at the New Benin for alleged conspiracy and armed robbery and had been remanded in prison custody since April 20, 2010.

The father of two, who hails from Bornu State, however, expressed gratitude to the state government ‎for granting him freedom and said that he hoped to return to his family in the North-East.

Earlier, Justice Cromwell decried what he described as “bloated prison cells,“ which  created numerous challenges in the administration of justice in the state.