JUSTICE IKPAMBESE PLEDGES TO SYNERGIZE WITH FEDERAL CORRECTIONS TO ENSURE QUICK DISPENSATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Jooli Terna
The Benue state Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Maurice Ikpambese Tuesday, 27th May, 2025 pledged to synergize with Federal Correctional Centre, Makurdi to ensure quick dispensation of criminal Justice in the state.
Justice Ikpambese made the pledge at Judge’s Conference Hall, High Court of Justice Headquarters, Makurdi when he received in audience officials of Federal Correctional Centre Makurdi, led by Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) in-charge of Non-Costodial Unit, Benue State, Mr. Richard T. Akaan.
The number one adjudicator in the state described them as critical stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice noting that their conscious efforts to reform inmates where most of whom after serving their jail term turn a new leaf and become useful to themselves and the entire society worth commending. He emphasized that some countries have condemned death sentence in criminals justice system owing to the vital role played by correctional centres.
The Chief Judge pledged to join forces with the centre in fighting for the cause as federal government alone can not do it. Adding that, as the Chairman Administration of Criminal Justice in state he would work out modalities to ensure that correction centres in the state are decongested.
Justice Ikpambese regreted the gap that existed between judiciary and the centre for the past months, attributing it to JUSUN strike that lasted for about five months, however, pledged to do his best as the strike was over.
The Chief Judge also promised to organize a workshop between members of bench and officials of the corrections in order to cross-fertilize ideas and eliminate the bottlenecks that are holding the wheel of Justice.
Ealier in his remarks the Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) in-charge of Non-Costodial Unit, Benue State, Mr. Richard T. Akaan appealed to Justice Ikpambese to prevail on judges to sentence offenders to community service rather than serving jail term to enable government channel the resources used in feeding inmates to another useful venture.
He added that the visit was to seek partnership with Judiciary to enhance effective justice delivery.
