The Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice has reported handling a total of 1,487 cases over the past two years, with 590 criminal and 897 civil matters recorded during this period.
This update was provided by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice (CJ), Mr. Ben Odoh, during an interactive session with journalists in Abakaliki on June 6, 2025.
According to Odoh, out of the 590 criminal cases, 122 have been concluded while 468 remain pending. In the civil case category, 445 out of 897 matters were resolved, leaving 452 still ongoing. The figures reflect the workload of the ministry under the current administration’s judicial management.
Mr. Odoh also highlighted legislative progress, noting that the ministry successfully enacted 26 new laws designed to promote peace and enhance justice in Ebonyi State. He emphasized the government’s efforts to improve the justice delivery system and to ease access to legal recourse for citizens.
One significant development is the creation of a Citizens’ Mediation Centre, which provides legal assistance free of charge to indigent persons who cannot afford lawyers. The centre has helped dispose of 86 cases specifically benefiting the poor and vulnerable.
In addition, the ministry has set up a Multi-Door Court aimed at litigants who prefer alternatives to formal court litigation. Odoh explained, “These are for those who have the money to pay lawyers but do not want their matter to go through the technicalities of litigation.”
The Attorney-General further discussed the establishment of a Sexual Gender-Based Violence Response Department, formed in collaboration with the office of the state First Lady’s initiative. This department seeks to address cases involving sexual and gender-based violence, reflecting the state’s commitment to tackling social issues alongside legal reforms.
The ministry’s combined efforts in legislation, alternative dispute resolution, and social justice reflect a multifaceted approach toward improving the justice system and providing accessible legal services across Ebonyi State.
