Amosun in tears after prison visit

Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, broke down in tears on Thursday when he visited prisoners at Oba Prison in Abeokuta.

The governor, who described the condition of the inmates as inhumane, was informed that majority of the 492 inmates on awaiting-trial list had been imprisoned for between four and seven years.

While conceding that prison services are 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, noting that it would not enhance rehabilitation of inmates. He therefore ordered immediate medical attention for the 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,” he told NAN.

“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.”

Amosun, who had earlier granted amnesty to 15 inmates at Ibara Prison, promised to pay regular visits to prison.