Ex-Convicts Recount Ordeal In Prison

By Abiodun Onafuye

Over 90 per cent of the inmates in the Ilesa Prison claim that are not in the good books of the Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led administration  in Osun State. The statement was made by some of the recently released detainees from the prison, who spoke with Mid-Week-Crime-Watch in Lagos in an exclusive interview.

Speaking further, one of the detainees Comrade Adebayo Adesina, who is the National Secretary of the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) said ,“most of the inmates in Ilesa Prison are anti-PDP, that is why the Commissioner of Justice in the state has not visited the prison despite  invitations sent to him.”

The CACOL scribe said the prison is too congested and advised that drastic measure be taken urgently to decongest the prison, saying that many people are languishing there for over 8 years awaiting trial. “The leader of the state anti-robbery squad (SARs) before, Mr. Jude Mbadinuju, who is currently serving in Akwa Ibom was then the machinery being used by the government to witch-hunt its enemies and clamp them into prison, alleging that they re armed robbers, but they did not present them for prosecution before the man was transferred.”

The leader of CACOL in Osun State, Comrade Waheed Lawal frowned at the way they were treated while in detention at the State CID, Oshogbo. “My brother, it was a terrible experience. They put me and other 25 inmates in a small cell for good four days. In fact, I will always remember that ugly experience in my life.” Comrade Lawal boasted that despite the humiliation, intimidation and suffering they went through, the struggle continues. He said “all that will not stop us from challenging bad governance. In fact, the experience has propelled us for greater fight against injustice, corruption and ensure that democracy in Osun State is practised the way it should be.”

Other freed detainees at the occasion include Comrade Declan Ihekhaire, Adebayo Adesina, Caleb Olukoya and Leke Adebanjo.

They advised the state Commissioner of Police, CP Moronike John to be fair in his dealings so that he won’t be seen to have been bought over by the political power in the state. They later called on authorities concerned to allow peace, harmony and tranquility to reign in the spring water state.