JUSTICE: PRAWA Launches First E-Court Hearing In Abia | READ DETAILS

Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), an organization centred on security, justice and development, have launched the first Electronic court (E-court) hearing in Abia state.

PRAWA in a bid to sensitize agencies on the E-court hearing, held a Workshop in Umuahia, the capital city, on Friday, 11th February 2022 at A12 Hotel.

The Electronic Court (E-Court) in submission to the pronounced aim of PRAWA- promoting institutional reforms in formal and informal sector for Access to justice, rehabilitation and social development of prisoners, ex- prisoners, torture victims and youth at risk is a milestone initiative to eliminate the raging issue of delayed court and justice systems.

The Founder and Director of PRAWA, Dr. Uju Agomoh described the initiative which was first launched on February 9, as a response to the fast global transition of the world into the cyber age.

She cited the numerous hurdles in the Justice system and judiciary the E-court would also help surmount, adding that the “security uncertainty” inmates and officials have to deal with on the course of going for their scheduled court hearing has made the entire Justice system run aground.

According to her, the security process which is sometimes heart wrenching, can be ruled out by the E-Court as court hearings can take place at any place devoid of security fears.

Dr. Agomoh added that the E-court will singularly displace the  “Transportation Factor”;  the cost of transporting inmates and correctional officers for court hearings is usually an expensive back and forth scenario.  She also addressed the alarming rate of absenteeism of inmates in court hearings, an issue easily pinned down to security and transport factors. The E- Court becomes an undeniable way to completely be rid of this challenge.

Commending the Nigerian Correctional Services for their timeless efforts in fostering a just society, Dr Agomoh harped on the immediate need to decongest correctional facilities. She posited the inmates should only be kept in custody for two valid reasons;

“Such individual has committed a grievous crime; such individual poses risks to the society”. She narrowed this factor down to the alarming rate of court adjournments- an issue stemming from the ever busy nature of physical courts.

Dr. Agomoh called on all concerned bodies ranging from Defense lawyers to Paralegals, the Police to Legal Aids, Correctional Officers to Prosecution Officers and the entire Ministry of Justice, to work in the interest of justice and make change.

According to Dr. Agomoh, “corruption, decadence and bribery will only crumble the entire efforts at change”. She appealed for morality and respect for humanity, adding those who “stand out will be greatly rewarded by God”.

Speaking to ALL FACTS NEWSPAPER (AFNEWS ), Dr Agomoh postulated that Abia state is privileged to be the first to host the E-court.

“The E- Court is here to stay. In-fact, Abia State is indeed privileged. I have been saying this- history has been made in Abia State. There will be challenges of course, nothing in this life is devoid of challenges but the E- Court will surmount these challenges. For those that doubt this movement, I should bring to your notice, the first E- Court sitting was held last week on the 9th of February. The link was out there for everyone to join and follow the event. It was historical. There are no doubts about this movement. There will be challenges but this initiative will still stand tall.”

On the challenges that may be encountered concerning power supply, she said;

“we know what we face in this part of the world, for availability of computers and date, PRAWA last year gave 25 computers to 10 courts here in Abia State. We have also given out modems and we provided enough data to cover last week’s court sitting.  This initiative has been highly endorsed by renowned organizations”

When asked if the E-Court would possibly mean the end of Physical courts, Dr Agomoh explained;

“No. Not at all. As a matter of fact, the vision is eliminating delay in court and sentence delivery. Court sittings can hold simultaneously in Physical Courts and E- Courts, of course, by different Judges. But then, sentence can be delivered without delay and the next step can be taken, that is rehabilitating these ex- convicts to the society and make them agents of positive change. The Correctional facilities will also be decongested.”