Politics

By Anthony Isibor

SOME lawyers in Anambra state have cried out over what they described as unlawful detention in correctional centers in Anambra state of Igbo men, women, and children of conscience, wanton incarceration, abuse of their human rights, abject neglect of citizens in custody, and deprivation of justice.

The call was made during a news conference, organized by the lawyers with the view to urgently address such human rights abuses, including the continued unlawful detention of persons of Igbo extraction, some lasting for over 12 years.

The statement by the group, signed by Chijioke Ifediora, Henry Chibuike Ugwu, Chinedu Clement Igata, Michael Okoye, was also copied to the President General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the South Eastern Governors Forum, as well as Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State.

They gave the names of some of the persons unlawfully detained to include, Okwudiri Bassey, Uchenna Nicholas, Peter Igbokwe, Sabastine Amadi, Ikechukwu Chikwem, Uche Idika, Chukwuma Kalu, Eni Kalu, Chima Asor, Ojemba Anyanwu, Emmanuel Orji, Mmaduabuchi Asika, Chinweke Irondi, Michael Okezie, Ikechukwu Aghari, Casmir Odakara, Chidiebere Ekwem, and Ndubuisi okanu.

As concerned citizens and advocates for rights of all and the sustenance for human dignity, the group used the opportunity of the news conference to draw the attention of the international community, the federal government of Nigeria and the Anambra State Government to the alarm raised recently regarding the incarceration, prison detention without trial and gross abuse of human rights of more than 18 citizens of Igbo extraction allegedly for crimes they did not commit.

The group also noted that the law of the land confers the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Why should anyone be in prison for 12 years awaiting trial.

They added that the Nigeria justice system should to be based on the principles of fair hearing, presumption of innocence, and speedy dispensation of justice.

According to the group, “The peace and tranquility of Anambra State and indeed the South East region has been truncated by myriads of activities ranging from participation in nationwide mass actions against police brutality and human rights abuses as well as citizen protests in support of good governance

“Hence, we call for the immediate resumption of these cases and the application of speedy trial for all and others sharing similar fate with them. We thank the Defence Attorneys handling the cases on probono and hereby offer to also take up the matter either independently or in conjunction with them.

“The delay in these cases clearly suggests lack of attention and concern. It is on this note that a few lawyers and myself have taken steps to follow up these cases to ensure that these people get justice sooner than later.” 

The group also said that some of the citizens and others whose details were not yet available have been detained since 2008 in Correctional Centres in Anambra State for offences allegedly committed by their husbands, fathers, brothers or relations, who could not be found at the times when the arrests were effected.

“Our investigation reveals that these persons have been in detention at Onitsha and Awka Correctional Services for well over 12 years, awaiting trial. 

 “We believe they are many more, the group said.

The lawyers added that one of the people arrested, Onyekachi Orji, was arrested pregnant.

“Available information reveals she delivered that baby in prison and till date, both remain in custody, 12 years after. What a calamity.

They noted also that in these cases, the Nigeria justice system has failed the test on freedom of fair hearing, adding that the people are not happy and the likelihood of uprising cannot be ruled out, adding that even some of the cases in court are moving at a very slow pace.

“The cases involving these innocent citizens (as recognised by law until proven guilty) are being prosecuted by a Private Counsel in execution of a fiat by the Attorney-General of the Federation, while Defence Attorneys. who took up the case operate on Pro Bono.

Oct. 31, 2021 @ 14:48 GMT |

A.I

Tags: Anambra State Casmir Odakara Chidiebere Ekwem Chijioke Ifediora Chima Asor Chinedu Clement Igata Chinweke Irondi Chukwuma Kalu Emmanuel Orji Eni Kalu Henry Chibuike Ugwu Ikechukwu Aghari Ikechukwu Chikwem Michael Okezie Michael Okoye Mmaduabuchi Asika Ojemba Anyanwu Okwudiri Bassey Peter Igbokwe Sabastine Amadi Uche Idika Uchenna Nicholas