Ebonyi: Nwifuru frees war detainees, four years after

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru has released about 180 war detainees in the state correctional center.

The detainees who are from Effium and Ezza-Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state,  have been in the centre since February 2021.

The people of Effium and Ezza-Effium in the local government have been at war since that 2021 with over 180 persons arrested and prosecuted over the war.

Governor Francis Nwifuru decided to grant them pardon as part of his efforts to bring lasting peace to the area.

The Governor will also empower the freed  detainees in a ceremony to be held later after their freedom to enable them start up life.

The Governor has also decided to create autonomous communities for the two warring communities and  give them traditional rulers.

The discharge of the detainees  commenced on 5th February 2025 at various courts in the state handling their cases.

After the court proceedings, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Odoh  ordered the discharge of the detainees from Abakaliki Correctional center for lack of sufficient evidence.

Odoh, in a letter addressed to the presiding Magistrate Lynda Ogodo held that the records of proofs of evidence doesn’t in his opinion disclose sufficient evidences to sustain the charges against the defendants, hence, the order for their discharge.

“In pursuant to section 167(1) of Ebonyi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019, I hereby inform you that the record of the proofs of evidence doesn’t in my opinion disclose sufficient evidence to sustain the charge of conspiracy,and citing of war contrary to section 516(A)(a) and 42 of the criminal code cap 33 volume 1 laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria 2009 or any other offence against the Defendants.
“You are therefore kindly requested to summon the defendants and have them discharged,” the letter read in parts.