Thirteen inmates from Nnewi Prisons in Anambra State have received various levels of pardon by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu.

Out of the number, three persons namely: Uchenna Igwe, Monday Nwaigbo and Uche Mmadu were discharged and acquitted while ten were granted bail.

Those released on bail include Sopuluchukwu Mbadinuju, Ifeanyi Okwuma, Emeka Esengha, Nzube Okafor, Chisom Nwachukwu, Onyebuchi Nwosu, Ndubumma Anowai. Ebuka Ilegbenu, Sunday Samuel and Onyinye Ikueze.

The Chief Judge who effected the release during her maiden visit to the prisons on jail delivery exercise said the visit was to deal with matters of inmates who had no opportunity of going to regular court while in confinement.

She assured that the detention of inmates beyond the period of imprisonment would soon be a thing of the past.

She also dismissed a case of malicious damage filed against Monday Nwaigbo and discharged him following his over two years stay in prison for the offence he committed if sentenced.

An inmate, Uche Mmadu, who was charged for armed robbery, was released following the abandonment of his case by the complainants beyond two years without being prosecuted as prescribed by the administration of Criminal Justice Law 2010.

Also, Uchenna Igwe, charged for burglary, entry and stealing was discharged following complainant’s failure to file information against the defendant after nearly four years for the reason that he has forgiven him and there were no witnesses.

In his reaction, the Comptroller of Prisons, Anambra State, Mr. Emmanuel Nwakaeze, thanked the Chief Judge for the exercise adding that it has helped to decongest the prisons.

He expressed delight that the inmates were being taught skills capable of making them lead a responsible life on getting back into the society.

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