CJ to set up panel on backlog of cases in FCT
NAN-H-66
Panel
By Edith Nwapi
Abuja, Oct. 17, 2016 (NAN) The FCT Chief Judge, Justice Ishaq Bello, has promised to set up a panel to address the backlog of cases of awaiting trial inmates in the prisons .
Bello gave the promise when he visited Kuje Prisons on Monday.
He said that it was worrisome that there were many cases which needed to disposed of and the convicts set free.
“I have resolved after consultations with my brother judges that I am going to set up a panel so that court by court these cases will be taking head on within defined period of time.
`Maybe two weeks each court and then we give time to the prosecution whether from the Ministry of Justice or the police to come forth with their witnesses.
These cases will be taken and disposed of so that we can clear the backlog of long cases ,“ he said.
Bello reiterated that cases of fine and compensation should not warrant convicts to stay so long in the prison.
“There are certain period of imprisonment or fine and where there are failure to pay the additional period should be defined.
“But where somebody is being held over order for compensations it means life imprisonment if the convict failed to pay.
“You should enforce this order for compensation in the same manner as it occurs in any judgment in civil cases. “
Bello advised the prison medical team to sick inmates adequate treatment and those with contagious diseases.
He pardoned two of the 570 inmates, and stressed that the aim of the visit was to address certain perceived wrongs against the inmates.NAN)
NEO/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha