Owerri Prisons overflows with awaiting trial inmates

OWERRI — The Federal Prisons, Owerri,
originally built to accommodate only 548
inmates is now housing a total of 1,827
persons.
Of this number, only 164 of the inmates are
serving varying jail terms, while a staggering
1,663 persons are awaiting trial.
Imo State Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Ifeanyi
I. Amaliri, disclosed this while receiving the
State Chief Judge, Justice Benjamin A.
Njemanze, who was at the prison establishment
on jail delivery exercise.
Justice Njemanze discharged 10 persons said to
be awaiting trial for more than seven years,
including three persons whose illnesses were
likely to terminate in death.
The Chief Judge, who appeared stunned as Mr.
Christopher Chidi, a Lagos-based clearing agent
and car dealer, narrated how the police
arrested him on fictitious charges, charged him
to Umuokanne Magistrate’s Court which later
sentenced him to prison, later discharged him.
Presenting the case of Osolase Ehis, who was
remanded since February 3, 2009, without
trial, the Prison medical personnel, Dr.
Innocent Chukwuezi, informed the chief judge
that the accused person was now suffering
paralysis on both legs.
“The accused person has severe paralysis on
both legs. He also exhibits some element of
psychiatric problem.
“Since the medical facilities in this prison
cannot properly take care of his ailment, he
should be allowed to go on medical grounds,”
Dr. Chukwuezi pleaded with the chief judge.
Similarly, Iheanyi Anuforo, who was only 19
years when he was incarcerated December 20,
2010, now suffers from what the medical
doctor termed immuno-suppression.
He was also discharged by the chief judge.
While Joanah Adaoha Igbosonu was set free on
health ground, Chukwudi Amaechi, Chinedu
Ekechukwu and Mmaduabuchi Ezeh were said
to have committed minor offences but had
stayed in custody longer than they would have
spent if they were actually convicted.
Speaking after the exercise, Justice Njemanze
expressed concern that no member of the
human right commission was present during at
the event, despite being invited.