SUMMARY REPORT (OKIGWE PRISON VISIT)

On the 2nd day of September, 2014, 27 Clinicians from ABSU Law Clinic visited the Okigwe Prison to interview the detainees, with the aim of affording them access to justice. Due to time factor only 10 detainees were interviewed, and  sequel to that, acions are in process to ensure these detainees have legal representation and access to Courts.

PUBLICATION

The ABSU Law Clinic formally wish to felicitate with the President of the Network of University Legal Aid Institution (NULAI)  on your conferment of the prestigious award of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on the 22nd day of September 2014.
This remains an eloquent testimony of your assiduous contribution and dedication to the growth of Legal Practice and Legal Education at large. More grease to your elbow.
Congratulations Sir!

FOI SENSITIZATION WORKSHOP AT MBALANO L.G.A, ISUIKWUATO, ABIA STATE

On the 10^th of September, 2014 a workshop on the Freedom of Information Act 2011 was organized by the ABSU law clinic team at Mbalano Local Government Area, Isuikwuato, Abia State which had in attendance Staff Clinic Coordinator Barr. Emeka Okorafor, ABSU Student Clinicians, over 60 L.G staffs including the Head of Service Mr. J.C. Ejiofor, Head of Personnel Management Mr. Usim Kalu and the Legal Adviser to the council with other senior management staff.

Lectures were given by some of the Clinicians on the FOI act, Emeka Maduako a final year law student and a Clinician gave a lecture on right of access to information (S. 1-10 of the FOI act). Daniella Ikeokwu elucidated S.11-20 of the act and Nwoko Emezue summarized from S.20 to the end of the Act. The government staffs were given the opportunity to interact and ask questions about the act. Questions like;

a.   The kind of information that should be given out

b.   What kind of information can be withheld from the inquirer

c.   The number of days it will take before the information requested will be given unto them

d.   If it is only limited to government workers alone or other public institutions etc

The workshop was a success as everyone went home with smiles on their faces and were satisfied with the response gotten from the Staff Clinician and the Clinicians with regards to the question being asked. Copies of the Act were also distributed to the Council.

Clinic's Progress On The Case Of Ifeanyi Silas

In its quest to enhance and provide access to justice to indigent members of the society, ABSU Law Clinic is working on the Case of one Ifeanyi Silas who has been in prison custody since 2013. After applying for  the requisite CTC Charge Sheet & Record of Proceedings for the matter on the 25th day of August 2014, It was later discovered by the Registra that Prince Okechukwu (another lawyer) represents the accused and that the matter has reached addressed stage.

Report On The Case Of Ikemba Uche

The case of Ikemba Uche v The State that was slated for 8th Sept; 2014 has witnessed  a flip-flop as proof of service was not found in Courts file. Therefore with this development, the Court further adjourned the matter to the !4th day of October 2014 with the directive that proper service be made to the DPP

A REPORT OF THE WORKSHOP ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT FACILITATED BY MEMBERS OF THE ABSU LAW CLINIC GROUP 3 AT AHABA-IMENYI WELFARE ASSOCIATION WOMEN’S WING ISUIKWUATO L.G.A ON THE OCCASSION OF THE AHABA-IMENYI WOMEN AUGUST MEETING ON THURSDAY 21ST AUGUST 2014.

1. ANALYSIS:
   The enlightenment workshop with the Ahaba-Imenyi welfare association women’s wing on the occasion of their August meeting was held on Thursday 21^st of August, 2014 at Ahaba-Imenyi town hall Isuikwuato L.G.A, Abia State.
   AIM
   The aim of the workshop as organised by the law clinic under the supervision of our staff clinicians was and has always been to sensitize and acquaint the citizens of Nigeria irrespective of political, economic, cultural or social placement of the existence of the Freedom of Information Act, its role as affects interactions between the masses and the government and/or its agents and also the rights and duties created by the Act. By way of aiding any form of redress sought by the participants at the workshop, the existence of the law clinic is highlighted, coupled with its role in offering pro-bono services to its clients as a means of enhancing access to justice.
   EVENT ANALYSIS
    Armed with knowledge of the aim above mentioned, the group set out to execute its assignment through the instrumentality of the workshop organized with component features to enhance effective sensitization and communication. These features include majorly, a drama piece, brief lecture sessions, feedback from participants and the distribution of copies of the FOI Act and other appurtenant materials written/printed in both English and Igbo languages
   The group arrived at the venue at exactly 1:30pm as were warmly welcomed by the women of the community. After a brief remark by the President General of the Ahaba-Imenyi Welfare Association (Women’s Wing), Dr C.C Ogbonna, the floor was thrown open to the clinic members and to achieve effective communication, Igbo language was used.
   The drama team from the group presented a sizzling piece which portrayed the significance of the Freedom of Information Act to the average Nigerian citizen. During the course of the drama, a civil servant in the local government approached the head of service in the local government to inquire about their salary structure and why they haven’t been paid, only to be humiliated by the head of service and consequently thrown outside the office. Another concerned citizen approached a private construction company utilizing public funds and tried to inquire about a major road in the community whose contract has been awarded and still has not yet been completed, only to be assaulted by thugs and warned never to return asking silly questions again. The third and final character who was a public servant was laid off for revealing a public document to a concerned citizen. At the climax, an enlightened citizen step in and tells they aggrieved citizens about the existence of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its many benefits. They were also introduced to the Absu law clinic as a place where many of their questions can be answered and advocacy granted free of charge. Finally, they aggrieved citizens became happy with the information they received as they could see the glimmer of hope once again.
   Subsequently, the group lectured on;
   1.     The background of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
   2.     Explained the salient features of the FOIA
   3.     The overview of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
   4. Demonstrated how the FOIA can serve as a tool for promotion of good governance
   5.     Explained the exemption provisions and the redress mechanism in the FOIA.
   The series of events occasioned the distribution of flyers and copies of the FOI Act 2011, both in English and Igbo versions, to the eager women to facilitate the objectives of the workshop.
   Before departure, the team was joined by one of our staff clinicians in the person of Barr. Emeka Okoroafor who helped us round up the presentations, with a reiteration on the FOI Act’s history, its role and the need for the masses to accept and adopt it as a tool to facilitate the enthronement of accountability, good governance and participatory governance.
   In response, the President General of the Ahaba-Imenyi Welfare Association (Women’s wing), thanked the clinicians immensely for making out time to visit the women and sensitize them on the FOI Act. She, together with other members of her Exco expressed deep hopes that with the continued spread of information on the existence and role of the Act, the society would grow to become the better for it.
   They finally promised to visit the law clinic and also direct any aggrieved individual to the clinic to seek legal redress. With our task thus executed, the team set out on its journey back to the university
   CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION
   Ajala Promise .A, on behalf of the members of group 3 of the ABSU law clinic hereby expresses profound gratitude to NULAI, Clinic coordinators and every other person that was instrumental to the success of this workshop for giving us the opportunity to serve in this capacity and hope that:
   1.     The faculty, through the law clinic should further train it’s students to participate actively in street law programmes
   2.     The law clinic should provide more materials as a teaching resource for subsequent workshops.
   3.     That follow up activities to areas of outreach should be encouraged.
2. 
   

1. 
   

Update On The FOI Workshop

ABSU Law Clinic team  schedules visit to Mbalano for Wednesday being the 10th day of September 2014 for the final segment of the FOI workshop.

ABSU Staff Clinician Stars on FamilyluvFM 103.9 on FOI Awareness

The ABSU law Clinic Staff Clinician Barr. Emeka Okorafor was on air on Saturday being the 30th day of August 2014 where he sensitized listeners  on their right to information (FOI) .
The Staff Clinician conscientiously tackled comments from the listening public. Listeners further  expressed their views via Facebook, Text messages and phone calls on how realizable the FOI was and whether or not they are protected by the law in a situation where the inquire into government related information.
The tete-a-tete lasted about one hour after which the Staff Clinician was graciously ushered out.

Keeping Tabs On the FOI Workshop

Cross - Section of FOI group 1 at Umuahia North with Staff Clinician Barr. Emeka Okorafor

NOTICE

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) strike which led to the hold up on Clinic activities was called off last week.

ABSU F.O.I WORKSHOP NOTICE

ABSU Law Clinic officially kicks-off it's FOI workshop today being the 21st Day of August 2014.
This is aimed at sensitizing the communities around the University on their rights and priviledges under the FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT.
The Clinic through its members have mapped out the following areas for today's workshop;
1. Umuahia South L.G.A hesadquarters
2. Ahaba Community in Isuikwuato L.G.A.
3. The Abia State University Premises Uturu.
Other areas have also been mapped out for coverage within the next few days; still around the Abia North Zone of the State.

PUBLICATION

The clinics activities in providing access to justice and legal aid to inmates and pre-trial detainees has come to a temporal hiatus owing to the on-going strike action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria(JUSUN). The Clinic hopes that the strike will be an ephemeral one so that it can continue providing its prison service .

Report On The Case Of Winson Ndubuisi

The Clinics efforts in securing the release of its client Winson Ndubuisi who had been incarcerated by a remand order since 28 Nov 2013 has come to fruition. As at the last visit conducted to the Okigwe Prisons on the 16th of July 2013,the good news was relayed that Winson has been released.

Clinic's Progress On The Case Of Chijioke Ndubueze

In its quest to enhance and provide access to justice to indigent members of the society, ABSU Law Clinic is working on the Case of one CHIJIOKE NDUBUEZE who has been in prison custody since 2011. After obtaining the requisite Charge Sheet & Record of Proceedings for the matter on the 11th day of July 2014, they came in contact with a Lawyer claiming Counsel for the Accused who equally stated that the Accused had been granted Bail few Months back, and that his ultimate release is in the works.

Follow - Up Report On The Case Of Uchechukwu Kingsley

The quest to secure the Bail of UCHECHUKWU KINGSLEY, the client of the ABSU Law Clinic has witnessed a setback as the Judge dismissed the bail application on the 7th day of July 2014, reason being that there is no special circumstance in the case for him to grant bail .So therefore the accused should face the full Trial while in custody . The Judge further Adjourned the matter to the 30th day of July 2014

REPORT OF JAIL DELIVERY EXERCISE AT AFARA -UMUAHIA PRISONS BY THE CJ OF ABIA STATE - 25 JUNE 2014

On 25 June 2014, the ABSU Law Clinic Team led by Staff Clinician Barr. Emeka Okorafor attended the Afara-Umuahia Prisons for the Jail Delivery exercise of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Oti. Some of the Clinic's clients  were among those who benefited from the Jail Delivery exercise. These included, Mr. John Bara, aged 25yrs-charged under sections 324 and 319 (CC) and remanded since 2006 who was granted bail by the Chief Judge because his trial was on-going. Ihendu Oso, 48 and Okafor Nwaonumah,28 both remanded since 2007 and 2006 respectively, were released because no information had been filed against them by the DPP. Other lucky ATPs included, Ihendu Oso, Samuel Uche, Nduderim Nwabueze, Chika Uzoma, Joseph Kalu, Emeka Uche, Chinecherem Ugochukwu and Okoroafor Nkemakolam. 
Unfortunately, the Clinicians were not allowed to take pictures at the Prisons. It was an exciting experience.

KEEPING TABS ON THE CASE OF UCHECHUKWU KINGSLEY

The expedition to secure the Bail of UCHECHUKWU KINGSLEY, the client of the Absu Law Clinic has witnessed a hitch as the Accused was not present in Court on the 23rd day of June 2014. The Judge made remarks about his absence in court and demanded that on the next trial, the accused should be present in Court to take Plea. The Judge further Adjourned the matter to the 7th day of July 2014.

Ejike Finally Released - ABSU Team Records Another Release.

The efforts of the ABSU Pre-Trial Detainees Law Clinic paid off again on Tuesday 10 June 2014 when one of its clients, Ejike was discharged by the Court at Isuikwuato. This followed a repeated application for Ejike's case to be struck out for persistent absence of the complainant without reasonable excuse and the failure of the prosecutor to call credible witnesses after he was dumped at the Prisons. The Clinic was represented by Barr. Emeka Okorafor-Staff Clinician and supervisor.
This is another plus for tht ABSU Law Clinic. 

SUMMARY REPORT ON THE JUST CONCLUDED PRISON VISITS

The ABSU Law Clinic invested with the mandate to increase access to justice for indigent members of the society did embark on the Prison visit scheduled for 30th May, as well as 3rd  and 4th June, 2014 and had a successful visit to Umuahia,Okigwe and Aba Prisons . The students were divided into groups for the different Prisons.They had access to the ATPs and obtained information to enable the Clinic take further steps to avail them access to justice.The visit was well organized and monumental.

A total of 105 Awaiting Trial Prisoners were interviewed and counseled during the 3-day period of visit at Umuahia, Okigwe and Aba Prisons with Umuahia recording the highest number of  44 ATPs attended to.Okigwe and Aba Prisons had 31 and 30 ATPs respectively, The reports of the students' observation and interim opinion are being compiled for assessment and further intervention.

PUBLICATION - Scheduled Prison Visits

In its quest to enhance and provide access to justice for indigent members of the society, ABSU Law Clinic Team embarks on its scheduled visit to Aba, Okigwe & Umuahia Prisons on the 30th May, 3rd & 4th of June 2014

Follow-Up Report On The Case Of Okafor Nwaonumah

The case of Okafor Nwaonumah that was adjourned to hold on the 27th day of May 2014 has witnessed a setback based on the inefficiency on the side of the State Counsel to provide his practicing fee receipt. The Court further adjourned the matter to the 24th day of June 2014, and instructed that the State Counsel must provide his practicing fee receipt on the said adjournment date

KEEPING TABS ON THE CASE OF OKAFOR NWAONUMAH

The quest to secure the Bail of OKAFOR NWAONUMAH, the client of the ABSU Law Clinic has witnessed a setback as the State Counsel entered appearance on the 15th day of MAY  2014, expressing interest in the case. The Judge further Adjourned the matter to the 27th day of May 2014, giving The State Counsel 48hrs to file a counter affidavit on the matter.

PRE PRISONS' VISIT WORKSHOP 2014

Event Photos
                                 Pic 1: Clinic Coordinator, Dr. Sam Erugo delivering the keynote address

Pic: Guest Speaker, Ukwuori N. Kalu, Comptroller of Prisons, Abia State Command

Pics 3: Mr. Emelue J.C, Deputy. Comptroller, Okigwe Prisons addressing participants 

Pics 4: A cross section of Law Students

The ABSU Prison/Pre-Trial Detainee Law Clinic held its 2014 Pre Prisons' Visit Workshop on the 15th day of May 2014 heralding the 2014 Prisons Services Clinic session and programmes. The Workshop held at the Faculty of Law Complex, Abia State University, Uturu with the active participation of students in the organization of the workshop sessions. 

The Objectives of the Workshop include:
• To sensitize the students, stakeholders, Faculty and Community on the ABSU Prison/Pre-Trial Detainee Law Clinic programmes generally;
• To bring together and elicit the cooperation of all stakeholders for the Prison projects;
• To identity the rules of prison visits, interviews and reporting (for Pre-trial Detainees, Prisons’ Street Law and Prisons Reform and Advocacy Units)
• To train students to understand the nature of Prisons service work, applicable rules and legal instruments; 
• To prepare the students adequately to conduct prison visits and interviews at Okigwe, Umuahia and Aba Prisons for purposes of legal aid and or advocacy;
• To identify and list the legal needs of all categories of prisoners;
• To identify the available legal aid facilities presently available to the prisoners;
• To train students to successfully conduct live interviews and be in a position to counsel and render services to the prisoners;
• To train students to prepare lesson plans and to teach citizens’ rights, including Prisoners’ rights.
The Workshop Outcomes were to enable the students:
• Discuss the scope of the Criminal Justice System in Nigeria as it relates to Prisons;
• Explain the scope of applicable Human Rights Instruments in Nigerian Prisons and the work of the Legal Aid Providers in Prisons;
• Explain the rules and ethics of prison visits;
• Identify some guidelines (including the Rules of Professional Conduct and Ethics) for Client Interviewing and Counseling as it relates to pre-trial detainees;
• Conduct an effective interview and counseling for a pre-trial detainee;
• Conduct an effective group interview in the prisons;
• Prepare lesson plan, and conduct an effective teaching on Prisoners’ and other rights;
• Analyze and find solutions to problems arising from information received from the Pre Trial Interviews.
• To render legal assistance, or refer deserving prisoners for legal aid/assistance


The Workshop had in attendance, Clinic Coordinator Dr Sam Erugo, Clinic Supervisors, Dr E C Ngwakwe,Mrs Chizoba Okpara, Mrs Ukwuori N. Kalu Comptroller of Prisons Umuahia, Mr Emelue J. C. Deputy Comptroller of Prisons Okigwe, Mrs Cordelia Ichie - FIDA, Clinicians and the Faculty. 

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Sam Erugo, Coordinator of the Clinic and that set the tone for the workshop.The Prison comptrollers delivered talks to the students on the Prisons generally and specially on Prisons, prisons’ visit rules and practices.The guest speaker, Mrs. Ukwuori N. Kalu, the Comptroller of Prisons, Abia State Command, Umuahia, delivered an incisive paper on the “The Nigeria Prison Service-its history, relevance and the ethics of visiting the Prisons”.  Mr Emelue J. C. Deputy Comptroller, Okigwe Prisons, also talked to the participants. They both pledged their support for the Prisons Services Clinic. The Workshop presentations were interactive.

Topics presented at the workshop included

• The Role of Nigerian Prison Services in Facilitating Access to Justice to Pre-trial Detainees; Comptroller of Prisons Umuahia
• The Law Clinic, the prisons and the Rights of pre-trial Detainees under the Nigerian Criminal Justice System; Deputy Comptroller of Prisons Okigwe
• Problem of Holding Charge Syndrome: The Office the DPP as the way forward; DPP, Umuahia
• The Role of Police in Facilitating Quick Dispensation of Justice under Nigerian Criminal Justice System; office of the DPO Isuikwuato Division
• Attitude of Superior Court of Record in Exercise of Discretionary Powers in Granting bail to Pre-trial Detainees on Remand Order by Magistrate Court for want of Jurisdiction; Chief Judge, Imo State.
• The Relevance of Interview and Counseling in Prison Visits; Barr Emeka Okorafor

The Workshop was concluded with much fanfare and enthusiasm with Mr. Emelue J.C. Deputy Comptroller of Prisons Okigwe raising the roof with an articulate and concise prayer appealing for more light to be shed on our legal psyches to enable those in attendance to rise up to the challenges facing the legal profession in this present day which was heavily assented to with a resounding amen by the students in attendance.

INVITATION TO ABSU PRE PRISONS VISIT WORKSHOP

The ABSU Law Clinic cordially invites members of the Public to its Prison Services Clinic Orientation Workshop holding on Thursday the 15th day of May 2014 at the Abia State University Faculty of Law Complex. Time 10am prompt.

A Brief Highlight of Absu Law Clinic's Radio Outreach Program on Students and Their Rights on Saturday 3rd May 2014 on Family Love 103.9fm Umuahia (Campus Gist Segment)

  The Absu Law Clinic team were on air where they meticulously sensitized listeners on the Campus Gist Segment anchored by Excel Uwaezuoke on their legal rights (as students). The team scrupulously tackled comments. Some student public expressed their views via Facebook, commenting on the status quo of students rights in their respective institutions.
   The tete-a-tete lasted about one hour after which the team was graciously ushered out as the program continued.

Follow-Up Report On Mr. Ndubuisi R.

The case of Ndubuisi Ransom which was earlier adjourned to Monday the 5th day of May 2014 has encountered a stall as the presiding Judge has been transferred. The matter has consequently been adjourned to the 21st May 2014

Highlights of The Just Concluded FOI Seminar 2013/2014 Organised By The Absu Law Clinic on the 28th Day of April 2014

It is common saying that knowledge is power. In this light, to give meaning to the words of the Nigerian constitution, to wit, “sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority”, it is imperative that the Nigerian people be empowered with knowledge. This knowledge involves being aware of the extent to which the government and its agencies are using such powers vested on them by the people. If popular sovereignty were to be assured, then, free access to information should be a right of the people.

Erstwhile, the trend in Nigeria has deny access to information as a right of the people. In fact, in most penal legislations in Nigeria, divulging some classes of information has been criminalized. To this end, borne by the desire to bring the Nigerian society in touch with contemporary reality, the National legislature passed into law the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011. This Act proves to be the sabre of true democracy possessed especially by the true knights of democracy — the people.

Clinical legal education aims to help students hone their knowledge and skills in all areas, including the following: Access to Justice, Street Law Program, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Prison Service, Public Interest Lawyering, and Interview and Counselling. The issue is whether or not the FOI Act is relevant to clinical legal education. This workshop organised by Law Clinicians of the Abia State University (ABSU) Law Clinic proves the relevance of the Act. The participants comprised of about 300 students who are in their third, fourth and final years of study respectively and also Barr. Emeka Okorafor (CLE Staff Clinician) who supervised and gave a detailed speech on FOI. It was indeed an educative workshop.Recommendations Arming everyone with the Act and continual emphasis on the importance of the FOI Act are steps required to be taken in the journey of utilizing the Act for clinical activities. The Seminar was indeed a success, because the  participants went home better informed.

Publication

The Law Clinic FOI seminar which due to some logistics couldn't take place on the 23rd Day of April 2014 at the Absu Faculty of Law complex, has been Rescheduled to Monday the 28th Day of April 2014 same venue. 

Outcome Of The Bail Application For Mr. Ogbonnaya Agwu.

   On the 14th day of April 2014, the Abia State Law Clinic team, observed Barr. Nwagboso in the Okigwe High Court as he moved a motion on notice for bail in respect of our client Mr. Ogbonnaya Agwu, but the prosecution asked for an extension of time to prepare his case.

    However, the Court ruled that the prosecution has 3 months to file an information and bring a proper charge against our client if any, and in default will grant our client bail.

Sunday finally released - ABSU team records another release.

On the 13th day of March 2014, the Staff Clinician Barr. Emeka Okorafor moved a motion for bail on behalf of the Clinic 's client Mr. Sunday Ibekwe, and some of the  Clinicians were there to observe. The bail application was granted by Justice A. U. Kalu on the conditions that N50,000 or a surety in like sum, with 3 years tax clearance and (2) clear passport photographs be provided for by the Clinic . The clinicians succeeded in getting a surety for him and he was released from prison on the 8th day of April 2014

Proceedings at High Court 5, Umuahia - 9th April, 2014

A motion on notice for bail which was filed in the High Court of Umuahia on the 13th day of March 2014 between COP v NDUBUISI RANSOM  was moved today being the 9th day of April 2014, by Barr. Emeka Okorafor a Staff Clinician of the Clinic. The bail application was countered by the State, asking the Court to adjourn the matter. The Court granted this request and adjourned the matter to 5th of May, 2014.

Follow-Up Report On Mr. Uchechukwu K.

On the 7th of April 2014, some of the clinicians of Abia State University law Clinic Uturu, went to High Court of Okigwe to observe Barr. Emeka Okorafor Staff Clinician move a motion on notice for bail for Mr. Uchechukwu K, but the state filed an information countering the affidavit, asking the Court to give them more time. The case was adjourned to 28th day of May 2014 by the presiding judge Justice Ikpeama.

Another release by ABSU Team-Chinedu finally released

The efforts of the ABSU Pre-Trial Detainees Law Clinic paid off again on Tuesday 1 April 2014 when one of its clients, Chinedu was discharged by the Court at Umunneochi. This followed a repeated application for Chinedu's case to be struck out for lack of diligent prosecution after he was dumped at the Prisons. The Clinic was represented by Emeka Okorafor-Staff Clinician and supervisor.

 Ecstatic Chinedu at the Clinic posed with Clinicians

Follow Up Report On Two Pre-Trial Detainees Okafor N. and Ndubuisi R.

On the  28th day of March 2014, four clinicians by name Chioma Okoli, Nwogu Ugochi Igwe, Nkem Okoro and Nwachukwu Christian visited  the High Court at umuahia to secure a hearing date for the cases below:
1). COP V NDUBUISI R. - hearing date (9th April 2014)
2). COP V OKAFOR N. -hearing date (15th May 2014)
We also met with the man that  has agreed to surety for one of our clients Sunday Ibekwe who has already  been granted bail but has not fulfilled the bail condition . One of the challenges we are facing is that there is no contact address in Mr. Sunday Ibekwe's file and that the surety cannot stand in for him if we don't ascertain his address. So we agreed to visit  the prison by next week in order to conduct another interview with Mr. Sunday.

Bail for Sunday Ibekwe in COP v Sunday Ibekwe, High Court 4 ,Umuahia

Case of COP v Sunday Ibekwe, High Court 4 ,Umuahia – 13 March, 2014
The motion for bail filed by the Clinic on 18 February, 2014 in Commissioner of Police v Sunday Ibekwe, was heard on 13 March 2014. A group of Clinicians were at High Court 4 Umuahia to observe  Staff Clinician, Mr. Emeka Okorafor move the motion on behalf of Clinic’s client (Sunday Ibekwe).  Bail was granted by Justice A. U Kalu in the sum of N50,000 with a surety in like sum, with 3 years tax clearance and two(2) clear passport photographs.
Unfortunately, the accused does not have any known relatives. The Clinic is working towards contacting his family to enable process his bail.

Proceedings at High Court 5, Umuahia – 11 March, 2014

There was a setback in the application for bail filed on behalf of Ndubuisi Ransom earlier fixed for argument on 11 March 2014. The court refused to take the application because the applicant’s name was not isolated from other defendants in the case of COP v Ihesiulo & 6 Ors. The court expressed willingness to grant the application but advised filing of a fresh application. It was a good learning exercise for our Clinicians who drafted and filed the application. We appreciate pro bono counsel, Emeka for attending to take the brief.