Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State
Ebonyi Govt moves to decongest correctional centers
[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]
Ebonyi Government says it has commenced plans to decongest correctional service centres in the state.
State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Cletus Ofoke, stated this during a joint press briefing with the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barrister Uchenna Orji, after the Security Council meeting at New Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki, the state capital on Tuesday.
Ofoke disclosed that Governor Dave Umahihad directed the State Ministry of Justice and the Commissioner of Police to liaise with the State Comptroller of corrections to get the full lists of inmates awaiting trial with a view to decongesting the correctional service centres.
“The security council has noted with dismay the congestion nature of the Correctional Service Centres in Ebonyi State and council directed that the Attorney General and CP should liaise with the Comptroller of corrections to get the full lists of inmates awaiting trials with a view to decongesting the correctional service centres in the state by way of either releasing them base on opinions from the Ministry of Justice or by granting of bail by the court”.
The council further directed the State Commissioner of Police, Garba Aliyu and the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke to ensure that all those arrested in connection with the crisis in Akaeze in Ivo LGA of the State were made to face the law.
“Council received briefing on the carnage in Akaeze, Ivo local government area of Ebonyi state just two days ago. Council has condemned the carnage and has directed that the state Commissioner of Police and my humble self the Attorney General to ensure that those arrested face the law.
“Council directed that there should be regular briefing on the outcome of the prosecution of the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
“Council however commended Ebubeagu Security Outfit for what they are doing in the state in securing the environment, protecting properties and that of lives.
“Council however warned that the personnel should always do their job in line with the rules of engagement. Council directed that the CP and other security agencies should be on the watch for Ebubeagu personnel who may want to go contrary to rules of engagement”, he said.
