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 The Clinic followed up and the charge was withdrawn from the Magistrate Court on 3 August 2011 on the condition that the boys should sign an undertaking to be of good behavior.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.