Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Anambra State to decongest Onitsha, Awka and Ekwulobia correctional centers through
accelerated hearing of inmates cases on awaiting trial.
Chief sponsor of the motion, Hon. Fredrick Chigozie Ezenwa the member representing Onitsha South one constituency, stated that there are large population of ndi Anambra who are languishing in the Correctional Centres located at Onitsha, Awka and Ekwulobia of Anambra State.
Hon. Ezenwa taking Onitsha Correctional Centre as a case study, maintained that the facility built to accommodate 600 Inmates was holding a total of 1,017 Inmates as at 9th of July, 2023 with a total number of 909 Inmates awaiting trial.
“Those on awaiting trial list are presumed innocent until they are found guilty of the offences they were charged with. It is disheartening to note that some of the inmates on awaiting trial have spent years in the facility without being heard.
“The future of the Inmates on awaiting trial list are being toyed with. The overcrowded nature of the facilities keep the Inmates vulnerable to contagious diseases.
“if accelerated hearing is effectively organized for the Inmates, the facilities will be grossly decongested: the innocent shall be set free while the guilty shall be convicted.
Speaking in favour of the motion, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, Hon. Calistus Obi Nweke, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Hon. Douglas Egbuna, Chief Whip Hon. Jude Ngobili and Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Jude Akpua called for the decongestion of the correctional centers.
“Alot of people are languishing in prison and constitutionally, it is wrong. The accuse is assume innocent until found guilty.
“The solution is to appoint more police officers to take over the investigation of criminal matters been complained at the police level.
” More legal officers should be appointed in the office of Attorney General to take care of cases, vet files and write legal opinions.
” More appointment of juges, More court halls will help decongest our prisons and also speedy trials of accused persons.
” Attorney General should rise up to the occasion and reform the justice system. Nobody knows who will be their tomorrow.
“Attorney General should employ more lawyers to be in the office of directorate of public persecution.
The house was adjoined to reconvene on Tuesday, Ist of August 2023 by 10am.
