The Ebonyi State government has criticised the prevalence of incessant court adjournments in its justice system, attributing the problem to lawyers seeking to enrich themselves at clients’ expense.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr Ben Odoh made this statement in Abakaliki during a meeting with justice stakeholders themed “Civic Catalyst: HAG Open Forum 2.0”.

He revealed that the state intends to amend its Criminal Justice Act after next year’s stakeholders’ town hall meeting, aiming to end the widespread practice of frequent court adjustments.

According to Odoh, starting next year, Ebonyi will introduce punitive costs against lawyers responsible for unnecessary adjournments, as implemented in states such as Delta.

“By next year, we are going to have a stakeholders’ meeting, stakeholders’ town hall meeting. We are celebrating the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2019. For me, it is outdated. Delta domesticated and amended their own. We want to follow suit,” he said.

“We want to amend our administration of criminal justice and all stakeholders must agree. The reason is to correct issues so poor people are not left to suffer in prison. In Delta, if you take adjournment in criminal matters more than three times, a punitive cost applies.”

He continued: “So, If as a lawyer in 2026—subject to stakeholders’ agreement—you seek incessant adjournments for enrichment, a punitive cost (N500,000 as in Delta) will apply. Once this is in place, our lawyers will sit up.”

Odoh also disclosed plans to domesticate and replicate the state’s citizens mediation centre across all 13 local government areas for quicker dispute resolution. This, he said, would allow people to access justice locally, rather than travelling to Abakaliki.

He further revealed that Chief Magistrates have been empowered by state law to visit police stations in their jurisdiction monthly to free suspects held beyond the legal detention period. (Daily Sun)

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