ABSU LAW CLINIC SECURES RELEASE OF 2 CHILDREN DETAINED AT OKIGWE PRISONS

The ABSU Law Clinic worked with Barr. Okpalaeke in the release, on 3 August 2011, of two 16-year old boys remanded at the Okigwe Prison.They had been charged for conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

The boys were identified during an interview session by Ogochukwu Oye, a 500l Clinician during the last Prisons visit. It was discovered that the boys had been terribly tortured by the Police into signing a statement misrepresenting they were 18 years and were thus charged to Court as adults. Their parents were unaware of this mistake, and they had no legal representation in court. Bail was denied by the Magistrate.

The Clinic was instantly drawn to the matter and contacted the family while seeking the assistance of  Barr. Okpalaeke. It was discovered that the case actually stemmed from a minor family dispute. The clinic’s persistence and negotiation eventually paid off when the family resolved the dispute. The Clinic followed up and the charge was withdrawn from the Magistrate Court on 3 August 2011 on the condition that the boys should sign an undertaking to be of good behavior. 

The families were extremely happy to have their children back and expressed their gratitude to the Clinic  team comprising  Chioma Nwigwe and  Ogochukwu Oye who had followed the case and present at Uruala Court on the day of freedom for the helpless boys. One of the detained persons, Mr. C. declared his resolve to become a lawyer someday and help other persons regain their freedom.

ABSU LAW CLINIC TEAMS UP WITH NBA ON HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

On 29 July 2011, the ABSU Law Clinic participated in a human rights campaign at Girl’s Secondary Commercial, Asa Road, Aba, Abia State. The campaign was organized by a Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Aba Branch, coordinated by Mrs. Ichie. The Clinic Community Outreach team was led by Ginika Okoroafor and Peace Ogbonna. The campaign was geared towards the sensitization of college students on their civil and political rights as enshrined in chapter four of the constitution and the various enforcement mechanisms available to them upon abuse of these rights. The event was a huge success.

The staff and students were intrigued by the information about human rights and had a lot of questions for both Mrs. Ichie and the Clinicians. At the end of the exercise, the Principal of the School, Dr. (Mrs.) Gina Onochie hosted the campaigners in her office and commended both the NBA and the Clinic for their time and effort at community service.

ABSU LAW CLINIC PARTNERS CLASFON FOR 2ND ADVOCACY AND WELFARE VISIT TO OKIGWE PRISONS;21 July 2011

The ABSU Law Clinic Prisons Service (Advocacy Unit), in conjunction with the Christian Law Students’ Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) paid an advocacy and welfare visit to the Okigwe Prisons on 21 July 2011. The Law Clinic Team led by Ogochukwu Oye and Oyidiya Torti, included some 400 level clinicians. The Clinicians used the opportunity to observe, inquire and gather relevant information on the treatment of the Prisoners as well as their welfare and general living conditions at the Prisons.

The joint team carried with them food, toiletries and articles of clothing, among other things, donated by the students and philanthropists. The prisoners and prison authorities were extremely excited. The Director of Welfare at the Prisons, Mr. Osuji expressed gratitude and commended the Law Clinic and CLASFON.

The clinicians  informed the authorities of the clinic’s willingness to cater for both the legal and non-legal needs of the prisoners to the best of her capability.