Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has approved the release of 36 prisoners in the State with a directive for the accelerated trial of minor offenders.
The approval is part of efforts to decongest the Correctional Centres following the threat of COVID-19.
In a statement on his verified Twitter handle, Governor Uzodimma said he has also directed the Acting Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ijeoma Aguguo to immediately commence the accelerated trial and release of inmates who are on awaiting trial on minor charges or allegations
He noted that the prison trials must observe all Covid-19 safety measures, including wearing of face masks and social distancing in keeping to the exigencies of the moment.
ABIA ONLINE reports that prisoners affected by the release are those who are serving 3 years with less than 6 months to go, convicts who have spent up to 25% of their prison term and minor offenders with 3 to 6 months imprisonment.
The beneficiaries of this gesture are advised to reciprocate Government’s gesture by not returning to crime.