Ogah Raises Concerns Over Prolonged Dentention Of Inmates In Abia Correctional Facility

The House Committee on Reformatory Institutions has raised concerns over the prolonged detention of some inmates in Correctional Centres in Abia state.

The Chairman of the House Committee, Rt Hon. Chinedu Ogah, OON Thursday, the 27th of March, 2025 raised the concern when he led members of the Committee on Reformatory Institutions to visit Governor Alex Otti in his Nvosi country home in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The federal lawmaker who expressed displeasure that many of the inmates had spent years without court appearances or the ability to meet bail conditions said the Committee was in the state for its oversight functions.

He urged Governor Otti to establish a committee to engage inmates under non-custodial sentences to ensure a more effective rehabilitation and reintegration process.

He commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides and contributions toward improving correctional facilities within the state especially enhancing security, boosting artisanship and provision of water supply, solar street lights in the centres.

While highlighting the significance of Governor Otti’s initiatives, the Committee chairman noted that Abia is the only state in the Southeast with a 3,000-capacity Correctional Center located in Uzuakoli and appealed for urgent assistance to rescue the deplorable condition of the route to the centre.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rehabilitating and improving the Aba and Umuahia Correctional Centers, emphasizing the need for humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of detainees.

The Governor emphasized that his administration remains committed to decongesting correctional centers, ensuring that minor offenders are given fair opportunities to reintegrate into society. 

He pledged not to compromise public safety and reiterated that the government’s approach balances justice with rehabilitation.

Governor Otti further promised to remain steadfast in his resolve to rebuild Abia inspired by the legacies of visionary leaders of the state and such applauded the House Committee members, for demonstrating commitment to their oversight functions despite limited resources.