In an interview with Vanguard’s Law and Human Rights, Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, addressed several pressing topics, including the recent prison escapes due to natural disasters, stringent bail conditions for #EndBadGovernance protesters, and plans by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to bar convicted politicians from receiving state pardons.
Escapes from Correctional Facilities:
Dr. Ajulo reacted to the recent escapes from prisons in Maiduguri and Niger State, where severe flooding led to the escape of hundreds of inmates, with only a few being recaptured. He expressed concern about the state of security and infrastructure in these facilities. The flooding has underscored the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies in regions prone to natural calamities.
He praised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his efforts to reform correctional services but stressed the necessity for correctional facilities to be designed or retrofitted to withstand extreme weather conditions. This includes strengthening perimeter fences, protecting infrastructure from flooding, and implementing comprehensive emergency response plans.
Dr. Ajulo also emphasized the importance of enhancing security measures, such as bolstering surveillance, increasing staffing, and developing better strategies for recapturing escapees. He called for improved community engagement and the use of technology to track and locate individuals who have escaped.
Other Key Issues:
Dr. Ajulo also discussed the stringent bail conditions imposed on #EndBadGovernance protesters currently on trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, highlighting the need for fair and just treatment within the legal system.
Additionally, he touched on the ongoing efforts by the Attorney-General of the Federation to prevent convicted politicians from receiving state pardons, indicating a commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability in governance.