Enugu CJ puts modalities, assures implementation of non-custodial sentences

The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, has assured full implementation of non-custodial sentences through community service sentences to check decongestion in custodial centres in the state.

Ozoemena said this on Tuesday in Enugu at the unveiling of the Operational Framework for Community Service Sentences and a workshop for Judges and Magistrates organised by Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO) in partnership with the Enugu State Justice Reform Team (ESJRT).

Represented by Justice Anthony Onovo, the Chief Judge stated that judges and magistrates of the state were eager to commence the implementation and sentencing of minor offenders to community service sentences in the state.

He said it would be fully implemented, while the state judiciary and state government would be backing and providing all resources necessary for it to succeed in the state.

“We are providing a temporary cell within the high court premises, provision of offices for non-custodial officers and we will also liaison with the office of the state attorney general to see to its smooth implementation,” he said.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for ensuring that the judicial system was given due attention to improving justice delivery within the state.

Also speaking, Justice C.I. Nwobodo of the Enugu State High Court, noted that non-custodial sentencing had been in the state’s law for ages, adding however that resources and provisions to make it work had prevented its implementation until now.