News
2,690 Inmates Awaiting Trial In PH Prisons
Out of a total number of 2,994 inmates at the Port Harcourt prisons, the Rivers State capital, it is now confirmed that 2,690 are on awaiting trial.
This is even as the Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu, in the last two days granted pardon to 415 inmates who were awaiting trial at the prisons as part of the 2012 gaol delivery exercise in the state, The Tide reports.
The statistics show that those inmates who were granted pardon by the state chief judge are male inmates on awaiting trial, charged for armed robbery and murder and have stayed for 3 years and above without trial, inmates charged with the offences who have stayed in prison for two years without regular court trials.
Others include female inmates awaiting trials, underaged inmates, old age inmates as well as those with critical medical challenging conditions. Speaking at the two-day event held on Monday and Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Prisons, the state Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu said the exercise was aimed at enhancing the criminal administration system in the state, adding that the law allows the Chief Judge of any state to visit the prisons to release inmates based on their merit of their cases before the court.
Justice Ndu said the consideration on whom to release was purely on merit, especially those who have been in prison custody longer than what the law requires, as well as those with health challenges.
The state Chief Judge stated that 415 inmates granted freedom, conditionally or unconditionally were not subject to pay any monetary obligations to get their release, adding that if inmates granted freedom would be able to perfect the conditions attached to their release, it would go a long way to decongest the prisons.
He advised those who had been granted freedom to be responsible in the society and not to involve themselves in any criminal activities.
The state CJ thanked the state judiciary, the prisons, police, lawyers and the media for their cooperation towards the success of the programme.
Earlier, the Deputy Controller of Prisons, Port Harcourt Prisons, Mr Uche Nwobi had thanked the state Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu for finding time to visit the prisons despite his tight schedule.
He described the programme as very memorable not only to the inmates, their families and society, but more especially to Port Harcourt prisons that is groaning under the siege of intractable congestion.
In their separate speeches, the state Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barrister Ibikiri Oforubiyo, representative of the state Commissioner of Police and OC in charge of Legal Matters, Mrs Susan Horsfall as well as the Deputy Registrar, state judiciary, Barrister A. K Adoki lauded the chief judge for the release of the inmates, noting that the gesture would go a long way to decongest the prisons.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
-
News19 hours ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics3 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News3 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News21 hours ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports3 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Politics3 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics3 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
-
Politics3 days agoEx-IGP Defects To SDP After APC Primary Fiasco