By Ikhili Monday Ebalu, Benin city
Edo Chief Judge, Justice (Mrs) Esohe Ikponwen on Tuesday freed three inmates out of 1,062 awaiting trial at the Medium Security Prison, Oko in Oredo Local Government Area.
The three inmates who were released as a result of ‘no case file’ are Efe Osagbovo (34), Peter Okon (28) and Lucky Moses (29).
Osagbovo a bus driver who has spent two years and 19 days awaiting trail, said he fought with his landlord but charged for Armed Robbery.
Okon a fairly used cloth seller, who has been awaiting trial for 5yrs and eight Months charged for Armed Robbery, said he was arrested by police patrol team on his way to his shop.
He however promised the CJ that if freed unconditionally, he would go back to Calabar, his hometown.
Justice Ikponwen observed that, Moses who was facing murder charge has spent 5years and 7months without trace of case file.
Ikponwen however promised to speak with the state government on challenges before the prisons, especially the area of vehicles to convey inmates to their various courts.
Earlier, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Oko prisons, Godwin Evboeuan told the Chief Judge that the inmates were taken to courts behind time as a result of non availability of enough vehicles.
National trail reports that this is Justice Ikponwen first prisons visitation after been sworn in as Chief Judge of the state in Jan 27, 2017.
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