Posted by From MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta on
No fewer than 103 out of the 626 inmates of the Nigeria Prison, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital are now awaiting the hang-man's noose.
No fewer than 103 out of the 626 inmates of the Nigeria Prison, Abeokuta, Ogun State capital are now awaiting the hang-man's noose.
They were condemned for various offences ranging from murder, manslaughter and others by various courts in the country.
The Assistant Comptroller of Prison in charge of the over 80-year-old prison, Mr. Tairudeen Adewunmi Ogunmola, who spoke last Monday during the visit of Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Olusanya Dosunmu also added that the figure comprises both male and female.
Describing the prison as an extension of a palace, Ogunmola expressed joy at the visits of the monarch and urged other well meaning Nigerians to remember the inmates.
"This is Nigeria Prison Service Abeokuta. Today we have a lock-up of 626 made up of awaiting trails, 103 condemned inmates which include both men and women. I want to say that the prison is an extension of the palace," he stated.
He expressed delight at the reforms going on in the service and hoped that it would bring a better life for the inmates.
"People may ask why a prisoner is so excited that he's adorned with a wrist watch. We are all in bondage. Some of the bondage we put ourselves go beyond being locked up in prison," he stressed.
In his response, Oba Dosunmu who visited the prison as part of activities marking his first anniversary on the throne urged the inmates not to consider their travails as the end of life.
"Today, you are here, but don't lose hope. God will set you free. I can tell you that, if you believe in God, who makes things happen at all times, he will set you free," he said.
Oba Dosunmu who said he had made enquiry about the prison and the nearby police station which he said was built almost the same time as the prison canvassed for their refurbishment.
"I was making an enquiry not only about this prison, but about that police station which has been built for over 80 years. I think it is crying for a change and the change must come quickly because of these (inmates), our friends who are here. Not on their own will, but at the will of Satan. Nobody want to be here. By the grace of God, He will set you free," the monarch stated.
The Olowu who was accompanied by Olori Bosun and some of his chiefs later donated edible materials and other household utensils and assured them that he would be interceding on their behalf through prayers.