The Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre has called for establishment of three rehabilitation centres across the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State for freed inmates of correctional centres.
The Executive Director, Law Hub Development and Advocacy Centre, Mr Osita Okoro, made the call at the weekend during a capacity building seminar organized in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation for members of Akwa Ibom State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committe (ACJMC) in Uyo.
Represented by Joshua Dada, the Director noted that the presence of rehabilitation centres would engender proper integration of discharged inmates and help them not to go back to their old crimes.
According to him, “There is a suggestion that three rehabilitation centres should be constructed in the senatorial district for persons who are discharged from corrections facilities to avoid the repetition of the crimes and to ensure proper integration in the society.”
He also harped on the need for the committee to have a functional secretariat for better operations.
Okoro equally called for a handbook and training manual for judges, magistrates, lawyers, correctional officers and law enforcement agents to ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
In her opening remarks, the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot commended the Centre for organising the training workshop to equip committee members with relevant knowledge to function effectively.
She said the domestication of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act would have a great impact on the criminal justice system in the state.
In his remarks, the Controller, Nigeria Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Julius Ezugwu, said about 2,413 inmates were awaiting trial in the four correctional facilities across the state.
Ezugwu put the total number of inmates in the four facilities at 2,854, adding that the custodial centres in the state were congested.
He appealed for the domestication of Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state to help decongest custodial centres.
