An advocacy group, the Alliance for Justice, Advocacy, and Humanitarian Foundation (AHAJF), expressed worry about the ongoing overpopulation of the nation’s prison system with individuals presumed innocent.
During an advocacy visit to the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Samson Nwafor, at the Dr. Sam Egwu press center in Abakaliki, the state capital, Dr. Martins Itumoh, the President of AHAJF, highlighted these concerns.
The association expressed readiness to collaborate with various organizations, including the NUJ, to ensure justice for individuals incarcerated for crimes they did not commit.
“Our prisons, particularly in developing nations, house individuals who are innocent.
“While there are innocent people imprisoned abroad as well, the proportion of innocent inmates in African prisons is notably higher. This is the reason Jesus warned that those who rightfully belong in prison but are not there may cause more harm, leading to loss of lives.
“There are individuals locked up for unjust reasons, and we aim to provide support and assistance to them.”
The Director of Operations of the group, Monday Eze, expressed dismay over reported extortions and arbitrary charges in Ebonyi State, depriving the citizens of free services they are entitled to.
Eze mentioned that the group had reached out to the state government for collaboration to hold certain agencies accountable.
“In Ebonyi, residents are still forced to pay for light prepaid meters, and estimated billing practices persist. We are against such practices as they disadvantage the people of Ebonyi.”
Commending the group for advocating on behalf of the less privileged, NUJ Chairman Samson Nwafor likened their efforts to those of journalists providing voluntary services for the community. He assured that NUJ and the group would partner to provide humanitarian services for the betterment of the state and the country.