Anambra Seeks Lawyers’ Pro Bono Support to Decongest Correctional Centres

AWKA, Nigeria – The Anambra State Government calls on legal practitioners to provide free services for indigent inmates to accelerate justice delivery.

Attorney General Tobechukwu Nweke in a statement on Sunday says the initiative aims to reduce congestion in correctional centres.

“We have issued a regulation to enable engagement of external lawyers for free legal representation,” he states.

The move is backed by provisions of the Office of the Public Defender Law, 2008.

Nweke invites lawyers to register with the Office of the Public Defender to handle cases of inmates awaiting trial.

“This will help speed up criminal proceedings and ensure access to justice,” he adds.

The government says the scheme targets vulnerable individuals unable to afford legal representation.

Legal experts say delays in trials significantly contribute to overcrowding in correctional facilities.

Nweke reiterates the administration’s commitment to justice reform.

“No resident should be denied legal representation due to financial constraints,” he says.

Interested lawyers are encouraged to apply through the Office of the Public Defender in Awka.

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Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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