Abia inaugurates COVID-19 mobile courts, ask them to keep an eye on support staff

Abia State government on Tuesday at the premises of the State High Court, in Umuahia, the state capital, inaugurated a special COVID-19 mobile court to try those that would contravene Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s directives on COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Inaugurating the court which is to cover the three senatorial zones of the state, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Onuoha Ogwe stated that the mobile court is not a new court, but one set aside by the state to handle cases that have to do with the noncompliance of people to COVID-19 regulations.

According to Ogwe, the focus of the court should be on non-custodian sentences, stressing that the court should concentrate on those who breached on the state’s COVID-19 law.

The State Chief Judge, however, charged the Magistrates of the Mobile Courts to impose reasonable fine or community service on offenders as the essence of the government in setting up the mobile courts is to ensure that government laws are respected.

Hon. Justice Ogwe implored the Magistrates of the court to  be sensitive and patriotic as well as to keep an eye on their support staff to ensure that they do not make corrupt arrangements.

Ogwe who reminded them that they were chosen because of their credibility also told them to pay into the state government account all revenues realized.

Responding on behalf of others, His Worship, Magistrate Lawrence Okite of Ohafia zone thanked the chief judge for finding them fit to serve and promised to discharge their responsibilities to the best of their abilities and inline with the aspirations of the state government.

His Worship, Magistrate Emmanuel Ukaegbu will be in-charge of Aba zone while His Worship, Chuks Nwankpa will be in-charge of Umuahia zone.

The Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abia State, Uche Ihediwa Esq and the Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem were at the inauguration.