PRISON DECONGESTION: Lagos Public Defender Partner Church Of Latter Day Saints

In continuation of its efforts to decongest correctional centres, provide free quality legal services and protect the rights of the indigent, women, children and other vulnerable, the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) has partnered with the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints to identify and support convicted inmates who are unable to pay court fines/penalties.

The Director of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju disclosed this during a courtesy visit to her office by representatives of the Church, adding that such fines would now be paid by the Latter-Day Saints on behalf of the inmates so that they can regain their freedom.

She stated that the gesture will go a long way in decongesting correctional centres, lamenting the situations where inmates are detained longer than necessary in correctional facilities due to their inability to pay stipulated fines or lack of resources to engage the services of lawyers who can assist them.

Adesomoju informed the visiting delegation that OPD shares similar goals with the Church in the areas of family protection, promotion of family values, provision of free legal services for the indigent, protection of rights of women, children and vulnerable in the State.

In her words: “OPD will continue to visit all correctional facilities in the State every month to identify inmates awaiting trial to offer them free legal representation in the court in line with its mandate”.

The Director, therefore, called on members of the public to take advantage of OPD’s free legal services to protect their rights and that of their family members, assuring that the Office will not leave any stone unturned until everyone has equal access to justice and are protected under the law in Lagos state.

Responding on behalf of the delegation, Mr. George Ikpe said the good work of OPD was in tandem with the objectives of the Church, some of which are to serve humanity and to give back to society.

Mr. George commended the Lagos State Government, through the OPD, for impacting positively on the society and families through its free legal services to all residents irrespective of religion, tribe or gender, pledging that the Church will collaborate with the Office, not only in the payment of fines/penalties of poor convicted inmates but also in strengthening family values and stem the tide of negative behaviors in the society.

Other members of the visiting delegation from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints include Mr. Charles Igholo, Mr. Olubunmi Adewale and Mr. Kome Akortha.