Insufficient prison vehicles hampers justice delivery in Plateau

Jos has only 103 courts to attend to all inmates.

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The Plateau State Controller of Prisons, Martins Apebende, said on Friday that inadequate vehicles to convey inmates to court for trial hampers the speedy dispensation of justice in the state.

The controller said this during a courtesy call to the Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Plateau Chapter.
He, however, did not disclose the number of inmates in custody.

“As a result of inadequacy of vehicles, most times prisoners are taken to court late, and as you may be aware, most courts begin sittings at 9 a.m.,” he said. “And only 10 vehicles cannot effectively service 103 Courts from seven prisons.”

The Controller also complained that Plateau State has only seven prisons and 103 Courts to attend to all the inmates. He also said Jos Prisons has only 10 vehicles for conveying prisoners to courts for trials.

Mr. Apebende lamented the neglect of prisoners by government and Nigerians. He said prisons are not only for condemned criminals, but an avenue to reform those who have erred. He asked Nigerians to visit prisons as it gives inmates a sense of belonging.

The prison boss said his office received a letter of prerogative for mercy from the state government pleading with the President Goodluck Jonathan to consider releasing prisoners who have been certified reformed. He admitted that this would help decongest the prisons.

The Controller of Prisons solicited the cooperation of the journalists’ union to enable him succeed in his assignment in the state.

He reiterated his resolve to transform the prisons under his control and pledged to take care of welfare
of inmates.

Responding on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the State Chairman, Katdapba Gobum, assured the prison boss of the cooperation of his members.