Hon. Chinedu Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikwo/Ezza South federal constituency, has paid the bail expenses for 75 inmates at Abakaliki and Afikpo correctional centres. The total sum of N3 million was disbursed to secure the release of the inmates, who had been held behind bars due to their inability to meet bail conditions.
During an oversight tour of the Abakaliki Correctional Centre in Ebonyi State over the weekend, Hon. Ogah revealed his intention to provide free legal services to inmates lacking the financial means to defend themselves in court. He was joined by other members of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, as they took a closer look at the state of correctional facilities in the region.
The lawmaker voiced dissatisfaction with the substandard work carried out by the contractor responsible for projects at the Ebonyi State correctional facilities. Hon. Ogah pledged to ensure that the contractor returns to rectify issues such as collapsed ceilings, faulty tiling, defective doors, poor plumbing, lack of a borehole, and insufficient medical supplies.
The Committee also visited the Afikpo correctional facility, where they raised concerns about the inadequate nutritional quality of meals served to inmates. Hon. Ogah assured the inmates that their well-being would not be neglected under his watch.
To improve the living conditions of Inmates, the Committee addressed challenges at the Abakaliki Correctional Service Centre’s clinic, providing immediate relief in the form of electric fans and a designated mosque for Muslim inmates.
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Additionally, the team inspected the ongoing construction of a 1,300-capacity correctional facility by the Ebonyi State government, commending the state’s governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his initiative. The new facility is expected to meet the highest standards of inmate rehabilitation and contribute to preventing jailbreaks.
The Controller of Abakaliki Correction Centre, Mrs Vera Ogwude, who hosted the Committee, praised their visit, expressing hope that such oversight would boost the efficiency and security of correctional centres nationwide.
Earlier, the team had met with Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, represented by the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to partnering with the federal government to prioritize inmate welfare, emphasizing that the well-being of those in custody is of paramount importance.
Hon. Ogah also applauded the state’s legislative efforts, noting that Ebonyi was the first to pass a bill on correctional services rehabilitation, marking a significant step forward in the reform of Nigeria’s correctional system.
This act of generosity by Hon. Chinedu Ogah has not only brought relief to 75 families but has also highlighted the pressing need for continued reforms and support within Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
