Governor Mbah Tackles Prison Overcrowding With New Enugu Judicial Commission

Governor Mbah Tackles Prison Overcrowding With New Enugu Judicial CommissionGovernor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially established the State’s Judicial Service Commission and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

The Judicial Service Commission will oversee the administration of the Enugu State Judiciary. Its responsibilities include recommending judicial promotions, ensuring the welfare of judges, recruiting judiciary staff, and other functions in accordance with Enugu State laws and the Nigerian constitution.

Governor Mbah stated that the Advisory Council will provide legal advisory support to the state governor and assist in matters related to granting amnesty to inmates.

In a statement on Thursday, Governor Mbah expressed concern over the overcrowding at the Old Park Correctional Center in Enugu, which currently holds about 2,000 inmates—far exceeding its built capacity of 650. He noted that 80% of these inmates are awaiting trial.

To address this issue, Governor Mbah announced plans to establish additional courts to expedite trials and ensure the swift dispensation of justice. Additionally, his administration is committed to fully digitalizing court processes in the state.

“The Judicial Service Commission is tasked with ensuring the welfare of judicial officers and overseeing their employment. We are currently advancing our efforts to digitize court procedures, aiming to eliminate the burden of longhand reporting and enhance judicial effectiveness,” Mbah stated.

He also emphasized the importance of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which will review clemency applications and make recommendations to the governor. He underscored that the council’s decisions should be made with a sense of duty, ensuring that the reviews are objective and focused on maintaining a safe society while addressing prison overcrowding.

The members of the State Judicial Commission include:

• Justice Ozoemena Afojulu (Chief Judge of Enugu State, Chairman)
• Dr. Kingsley Udeh (State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice)
• Justice Chibueze Nnamani (President of Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal)
• Justice Reuben Onuora (Rtd.)
• Prof. Andrew Chukwumerie (SAN)
• Hon. Gabriel Agbo
• Dr. Udechukwu Ezeh

The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy comprises:

• Dr. Kingsley Udeh (Chairman, Enugu State’s Attorney General)
• Barr. Seth Nwokolo (Secretary)
• Dr. Rita Emeh
• Representatives from Nigeria Correctional Service
• Representatives from Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO)
• Representatives from Catholic Institute for Development Justice and Peace (CIDJAP)