By Charles Iteshi
The House Committee on Reformatory Institutions has raised concerns over the prolonged detention of inmates in correctional centers across Abia State.
Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, OON, expressed his concerns on Thursday, March 27, 2025, during a visit to Governor Alex Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Ogah lamented that many inmates had spent years in detention without court appearances or the ability to meet bail conditions. He noted that the Committee was in the state as part of its oversight functions and urged the governor to establish a committee to engage inmates under non-custodial sentences for better rehabilitation and reintegration.
Commending Governor Otti’s strides in infrastructural development and support for correctional facilities, Ogah highlighted improvements in security, skills development, and essential amenities like water supply and solar streetlights in the centers.
He further noted that Abia is the only state in the Southeast with a 3,000-capacity correctional facility located in Uzuakoli and called for urgent intervention to fix the deplorable access road leading to the center.
In his response, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rehabilitating the Aba and Umuahia correctional centers, emphasizing humane treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates.
He assured that his government would continue efforts to decongest correctional centers by ensuring minor offenders receive fair opportunities for reintegration while maintaining public safety.
Governor Otti also commended the House Committee members for their dedication to oversight duties despite limited resources, pledging to support initiatives that align with his administration’s vision for a reformed correctional system in the state.