The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, at the weekend granted bail to two minors remanded in prison for stealing of their master’s money, kidnap and other related matters.

Thirteen other inmates were also granted bail at the Ekwulobia Prisons during the Chief Judge’s annual visit to prisons in the state.

According to Justice Umeadi, bail was granted to inmates who have stayed between three months to five years awaiting state trial at the Ekwulobia Prisons.

The breakdown of prisoners already granted bail showed that 13 inmates were released from Onitsha Prisons, 15 from Nnewi Prisons, and 15 from Ekwulobia Prisons, making it 41 freed inmates.

During his visit to Nnewi Prisons, Umeadi granted bail to 15 inmates who had spent between two to five years awaiting trial in the prison. Out of the number, four were females brought from Onitsha Prisons.

The Chief Judge while addressing the court commended lawyers, magistrates, police, Directorate of Public Prosecution and Prison officials who were present at the court session for their cooperation saying that they have in different ways helped to actualise the primary objective of prisons delivery exercise. He said that the exercise helps to give voice to the voiceless and decongest the prisons.

Umeadi reminded prison officials that prisons are not meant for the under aged as it poses enormous danger on their future and destinies.

He further warned against collection of bail bond by officials describing the act as illegal and criminal act.

The Chief Judge said: “Bail bond are not meant to be paid. The quarterly intervention in prisons is necessary as it helps in looking at cases of persons who have spent long time behind bars, to see what could be done to grant them bail, thereby decongesting the prisons.”

In an interview, the state Controller of Prisons, Barrister Emmanuel Nwakeze, hailed the Chief Judge for the intervention which he said will go a long way in decongesting the state’s prisons.

Speaking on the welfare of inmates, Barrister Nwakeze noted that the managements of the prisons prioritise the prisoners’ wellbeing noting that they are well fed and also taught skills that will make them self-reliant when released.

He however called on those that gained bail to be law abiding as they are re-integrated to the society.

Neakeze urged them to desist from crime and criminality so as not to find themselves back to the prisons afterwards.

Contributing, the Assistant Controller of Prisons in charge of Ekwulobia Prisons, Mr. Ubenyi Patrick, gave assurance that they would be quick to discharge the bailed inmates.

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