LACoN TO REPRESENT 13 INMATES FROM KEFFI PRISONS.
The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria was in Keffi Prisons yesterday for their routine visit to interview new inmates and take up fresh cases and also to follow up on the existing cases by briefing the inmates on the state of their matter in various courts within Nasarawa state and the environs especially those that may like to appeal their cases in the Court of Appeal as well as those that are due for bail.
On arrival, the Legal Aid team which was led by Barr. Okwuegbu Engenti the Acting Director of FCT office were ushered into the office of the new Deputy Controller, Alhaji Thomas who resumed work on the 23rd of May 2024.
After a brief introduction of the officers present, the team leader briefed the Deputy Controller on the activities of the Council and also informed him that the Council came on a courtesy visit and also to carry out their routine mandate of visiting prisons across the country.
In reaction, the Deputy Controller informed the Council that the office is not new to him therefore, the Council should continue their work as usual and if anything that requires his attention, comes up he will be willing to respond immediately in the interest of the job.
A total of 13 inmates were interviewed for representation in various courts within Nasarawa state and environs. The inmates offences ranges from Armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, theft and so on. Two (2) among the inmates are for bail but are finding it difficult to meet their bail conditions however, the Council will follow up on their contacts to secure their bail.
The Keffi prison is wearing a new look and the authorities should be commended for the improved appearance of the inmates and the general neatness of the premises.
The Legal Aid Council, CSO, Pro-bono Lawyers and the relevant stakeholders should be praised for their efforts in seeing that Keffi prison is decongested to the bearest minimum.
The Legal Aid Council remains the official voice of the voiceless under the watch of the Director General, Aliyu Abubakar.