Most Onitsha prison inmates innocent; police falsely accused them of crimes: Lawmaker
A lawmaker in Anambra, Edward Ibuzo, has alleged that many inmates of the Onitsha Correctional Centre were suffering for offences they did not commit.
He alleged that the police in the state command falsely put up non-bailable charges against the inmates.
“The problem is as a result of an improper investigation by the police, especially when an alibi is involved.
“The police put up non-bailable trumped-up charges against most of the inmates and have them incarcerated in the correctional centre,” Mr Ibuzor said.
The lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency in the state House of Assembly said this during an interactive session with journalists on Monday in Onitsha.
According to him, about 80 per cent of the inmates were incarcerated on trumped-up charges.
He was reacting to the recent release of three inmates by an Anambra High Court sitting in Onitsha, after four years of trial.
“It is unfortunate. Many of these inmates have been awaiting trial for many years.
“There should be synergy between the police and the judiciary for accelerated hearing of cases,” Mr Ibuzo said.
The Anambra High Court, on February 22, acquitted and discharged three and sentenced one to 21 years in prison for a murder charge.
The four accused persons were tried for murder committed on September 10, 2018, in Onitsha.
(NAN)
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