The Anambra State Government has called on legal practitioners to offer free legal services to indigent inmates in a bid to speed up justice delivery and reduce congestion in correctional facilities across the state.
The appeal was made by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, in a public notice dated April 17 and addressed to the Committee of Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association in Anambra State.
According to the notice, the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at accelerating the conclusion of criminal cases and improving access to justice for vulnerable residents who cannot afford legal representation.
Nweke explained that a regulation has been issued under Section 24 of the Office of the Public Defender Law 2008 to enable the engagement of external lawyers who are willing to provide pro bono services to inmates awaiting trial or standing trial.
He described the initiative as a structured framework for mobilising legal professionals to support the justice system and ensure that indigent persons are not denied fair representation due to financial constraints.
The Office of the Public Defender, according to the announcement, will coordinate the programme by registering interested lawyers and assigning cases to ensure proper legal coverage for inmates in need.
The Attorney General noted that the reform is also aimed at addressing the growing population of awaiting trial inmates, which has contributed significantly to congestion in correctional centres across the state.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the justice system, improving efficiency in criminal proceedings, and ensuring that legal processes are fair and accessible to all residents regardless of social or economic status.
Legal practitioners willing to participate are expected to register with the Office of the Public Defender at the Old Government House in Awka or reach out through the official contact channels provided by the ministry.
The state government expressed optimism that the collaboration with members of the legal profession would help fast track case resolution and improve conditions in correctional facilities.
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