The Osun State Chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, has voiced concern over the rehabilitation of the prisoners recently pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The CDHR noted that the issue of rehabilitation is not just a necessity but mandatory as the law stipulated that rehabilitation will provide a pathway to a better and secure future for former prisoners.
DAILY POST had earlier reported that Adeleke in December 2024 pardoned Segun Olowookere and Sunday Morakinyo and 51 other prisoners.
Olowookere and Morakinyo were sentenced to death by an Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun in 2014 for the theft of fowl and eggs.
In a letter addressed to the governor, signed by its Osun State chairman, Emmanuel Olowu, and made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, CDHR urged concerned agencies to take immediate and concerted action towards ensuring that robust rehabilitation programmes are established and funded for those pardoned as stated in a letter of commutation dated December 24th, 2024.
The statement reads, “We write to voice our concern regarding the recent pardon granted to fifty- Three (53) prisoners on December 26th, 2024. According to the provisions outlined in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Osun State 2018, particularly Section 463, sub-section 2, which state as follows:
“The prisoner released under subsection (1) of this section shall undergo a rehabilitation program in a government facility to enable him to be properly reintegrated to the society.
“Likewise, PART 45 – PAROLE 46 section 468 sub-section 2 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2015 states as follows.
“A prisoner released under subsection (1) of this section shall undergo a rehabilitation program in a government facility or any other appropriate facility to enable him to be properly reintegrated to the society.
“We urge you, to take immediate and concerted action towards ensuring that robust rehabilitation programs are established and funded for those pardoned as stated in a letter of commutation dated December 24th, 2024. This is not only a moral imperative but also a societal necessity as we seek to reduce recidivism and foster safer communities.”
While stressing that the re-entry of the prisoners into society presented an opportunity for restorative justice and reintegration, Olowu suggested that the success of the pivotal phase lies in the effective implementation of rehabilitation programmes that will support their mental, emotional and vocational development.
He also insisted that the prisoners must receive adequate support of successful transition back into their communities.
“We therefore like to inform you that for a successful rehabilitation program, you are to collaborate with key stakeholders including, The Controller Of Nigeria Correctional Service Osun State Command, The Chief Judge of the state, The Attorney General of the state, and Civil Society Organizations in the state, for the creation of comprehensive framework for rehabilitation as they can offer valuable insights and resources for the rehabilitation exercises.”
