Civil rights organisations have raised alarm over what they describe as deep-seated injustice and abuse of power within Enugu State’s Magistrate Courts, urging Governor Peter Mbah to intervene immediately.
In a petition submitted to the governor, the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) detailed two troubling cases it said illustrate a broader pattern of rights violations and corruption in the state’s justice system.
CRRAN President, Olu Omotayo (Esq.), said the cases of Godwin Odey and Yusuf Omotara expose serious failures in the administration of justice, including arbitrary detention, extortion, and refusal by authorities to act.
“This matter clearly shows the grave violations of citizens’ right to access justice in Enugu State and the refusal of authorities to promptly redress these violations,” the petition stated.
Case 1: Man Charged With Murder Despite Airtight Alibi
According to the petition, Godwin Odey, an OND graduate, was arrested while travelling to Abuja and charged with murder, even though he was attending a wedding in Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA at the time of the alleged crime.
CRRAN said the case file has not been transferred to the Attorney-General’s office for legal review, despite repeated requests.
This follows an earlier joint petition by CRRAN and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), published October 8, which alleged that the Attorney-General’s office demanded a ₦50,000 “review fee” before accepting a petition requesting a review of Odey’s case.
The then Attorney-General, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, now a Minister, denied the allegation.
Case 2: Detained for a Week, Nearly ₦5m Removed From Account
CRRAN also highlighted the case of Yusuf Omotara, who was detained for almost a week and had close to ₦5 million withdrawn from his bank account.
According to the petition, the withdrawal was carried out based on a questionable court order allegedly secured by a lawyer in collaboration with a Magistrate Court official.
The organisation described this as a blatant abuse of judicial authority and a violation of Omotara’s rights.
CRRAN argued that Magistrate Courts, being the closest courts to ordinary citizens,should offer quick, fair access to justice, but have instead become hotspots of corruption and arbitrary actions.
“If we aim to achieve an efficient justice system, these illegalities and abnormalities being perpetrated at the Magistrates Courts must be urgently addressed,” Omotayo said.
The group is calling for full investigation of all officials implicated in the abuses, Prosecution of those found culpable, Refund of money unlawfully deducted from Omotara’s account and Structural reforms to ensure justice is not denied due to corruption or administrative neglect.
