A 40-year-old man named Uche Nnoli has finally regained his freedom after spending seven years in detention at the Onitsha Correctional Centre in Anambra State. Nnoli, who is from Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra, was initially incarcerated due to his involvement in a community crisis.
During his time in detention, Nnoli was transferred to the Ogwashi Ukwu Correctional Centre in Delta State before eventually being returned to Onitsha. His release came about through the intervention of the Human Rights Protection Service, a group based in Naples, USA, which provided him with free legal representation.
Speaking to journalists during Nnoli’s release, Prince Chinedu Ekwunife, Chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the Human Rights Protection Service, explained the circumstances. He recounted that Nnoli’s case was brought to their attention by his family, who had been distraught over his prolonged detention without trial.
“We took up the matter and discovered he had been wrongly transferred to another correctional centre outside the jurisdiction of his case,” Ekwunife stated. “With the assistance of our legal team, we ensured he was brought back to Onitsha and his case was promptly reviewed at Otuocha High Court 2. The Presiding Judge, Justice Okey Onunkwu, examined the case and subsequently dismissed it, leading to Nnoli’s release.”
Ekwunife commended the judiciary for upholding the rights of ordinary citizens, emphasizing that the legal system had restored hope for Nnoli and his family. However, he expressed concern over the conditions of the Anambra State Correctional Centres, describing them as in urgent need of maintenance and improvement, particularly in medical services and facilities.
“We are planning to establish skills acquisition centres within the correctional facilities to train inmates and equip them with skills for employment upon release,” Ekwunife added. “This initiative aims to prevent recidivism and support inmates in leading productive lives post-incarceration.”
Regarding the reaction of correctional centre officials to Nnoli’s release, they declined to comment, citing lack of authorization to speak on the matter.
