The Justice Development and Peace Initiatives (JDPI) of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, led by its State Director, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, has paid a working visit to Ekiti State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, in his office.
Fr. Akingbade expressed JDPI’s aim to promote the rule of law and ensure institutions responsible for justice administration, such as the Ministry of Justice and law enforcement agencies, live up to expectations.
He commended the Chief Judge for setting up the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee and requested membership to support its full functionality.
Through the Director, JDPI seeks to have firsthand information about awaiting trial inmates, citing research showing 80-85% are between 0-40 years old.
Fr. Akingbade also advocated for full implementation of non-custodial sentencing and case allocation for the organization so as to render free legal services to deserving members of the public.
Justice Ogunmoye welcomed the initiative, he described the visit as worthwhile, he promised to collaborate with stakeholders to accelerate actions in ensuring its prompt inauguration with the aim of addressing grey areas in Administration of justice implementation.
He noted that magistrates are already implementing non-custodial sentencing and pledged to improve its full implementation.
The visit included Rev. Sr. Agatha, Mr. Stanley Okonkwo, Mr. Lanre Owoleso, Magistrate Olatomiwa Daramola among others.
