CRIME
Otti Signs Restorative Justice, Criminal Law, Two Other Bills Into Law
Otti Signs Restorative Justice, Criminal Law, Two Other Bills Into Law
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has assented to 4 new laws recently passed by the 8th Abia House of Assembly including.
The laws include; the Abia State University Amendment No 2, Law No. 4 of 2026, The Abia State Restorative Justice Law No. 8 of 2026, the Abia State Criminal Law No. 7 of 2026 and the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 6 of 2026.
Speaking while performing the exercise at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia on Monday, Governor Otti thanked members of the 8th House of Assembly for doing a thorough job including members of the bench and other critical Stakeholders for their input.
The Governor said that the lack of strict penalties for offenders under some laws often hinders the implementation of his intended measures, citing narcotics and hard drugs legislation as an example.
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He noted that the law at the national level should have provided a stiffer punishment for consumers of illicit drugs rather than treating the matter with kid glove, arguing that without a consumer there wouldn’t be sellers.
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Governor Otti assured that his government has the will to ensure that the laws are respected.
The Governor said that the law on the Abia State University Amendment No 2, Law No. 4 of 2026. which entails the relocation of the Umuahia Campus back to the main campus was to save administrative cost and provide students in Umuahia campus the opportunity to enjoy the infrastructure and other investments being provided in the Uturu Campus.
Earlier while presenting the Bills to the Governor for assent, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described the Bills as important legislative measures that require careful consideration because of their implications for governance and the justice system.
The Speaker said the House had followed the necessary legislative procedures to produce comprehensive laws aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system, promoting restorative justice and improving the administration of justice in the state.
On the Abia State University Amendment Law, Emeruwa explained that the amendment was intended to address issues arising from the university’s existing administrative and campus arrangements, including the need to accommodate the convenience of residents and faculties.
He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting the Otti led administration in promoting effective governance and strengthening institutions in Abia State.
Also, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, highlighted that the four bills are designed to strengthen criminal justice administration, protect citizens and improve access to justice in the state.
He explained that the three justice-related bills address criminal conduct, the handling of criminal cases and mechanisms for repairing harm caused by crime.
According to him, the reforms respond to public concerns over cultism, violence, kidnapping, destruction of public infrastructure, sexual violence and delays in criminal proceedings.
Uwanna said the Criminal Law Bill strengthens measures against cultism by addressing membership, sponsorship, meetings and management of unlawful societies and secret cults, extending the provisions beyond educational institutions to communities.
He added that the bill provides sanctions for vandalism of government infrastructure and dealings in stolen public assets and strengthening protection against rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and spousal violence.
The Attorney-General noted that the bill recognises both male and female victims of rape and provides for a sex offenders register to promote accountability.
Other provisions address kidnapping, child exploitation, corporate responsibility and offences involving electronic records and digital assets.
He said the bill also broadens sentencing options to accommodate measures such as restitution, where appropriate, to address the harm caused by criminal conduct.
Uwanna thanked Governor Otti for supporting the state’s justice reforms and disclosed plans to translate the laws into Igbo to make their provisions more accessible to the people.
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