Over a span of two years, Ebonyi State has dealt with 1,487 legal matters, comprising 590 criminal and 897 civil cases, according to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ben Odoh.
During a media interaction in Abakaliki, Odoh revealed that 122 of the criminal cases had been resolved, while 468 are still pending before the courts.
For civil matters, he noted that 445 had been concluded, with 452 still awaiting final judgment.
Highlighting the efforts of the state’s justice sector under the current administration, the Commissioner stated that 26 new laws had been enacted to promote justice and ensure social order.
Odoh credited the government’s commitment to strengthening the legal system, saying efforts had been made to make legal services more accessible to residents, particularly the less privileged.
He pointed to the establishment of a Citizens’ Mediation Centre, which was created specifically to support individuals who cannot afford legal fees.
“Through this centre, we have handled and settled 86 cases at no cost, giving indigent persons access to justice,” he explained.
Additionally, the ministry introduced a Multi-Door Court system, aimed at offering alternatives to traditional court proceedings.
This option is tailored for individuals who are financially capable of hiring lawyers but prefer quicker, less technical resolutions outside the conventional courtroom setting.
In his remarks, Odoh also announced the creation of a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department.
The unit, established in collaboration with the First Lady’s initiative, focuses on addressing cases related to abuse and gender-based violence across the state.
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