The attention of the Imo Progressive Lawyers Association has been drawn to the arrest and arraignment of 114 women who were on peaceful protest against a perceived injustice on their children said to be IPOB members.
President of IPLA, Chukwuma Ezeala
It is to be noted that the women and indeed every person has a constitutional right to freedom of Association and movement which should not be derogated from.
Unfortunately, the Magistrate did not think of their guaranteed rights as well as the prison conditions and the number being dumped in the said prison.
The Magistrate has jurisdiction to inquire into proof of evidence in the arraignment documents before remanding the women into prison.
We therefore call on the Attorney General of Imo State to immediately look into the file on Thursday, the 23rd of August and take the necessary legal steps with a view to releasing the women.
Information available to us is to the effect that some of the women are hypertensive and others with different health challenges and therefore the prison conditions may worsen their case.
In the light of the above, Imo Progressive Lawyers Association, IPLA, has decided to explore available legal options to see that these women regain their freedom.
Therefore, IPLA has constituted a legal team from among its members to be led by Mr. Christopher Okafor and others, to take up the cases of these women at no cost to the women to ensure that their unlawful incarceration is put to an end.
We wish to use this opportunity to warn the Government of Rochas Okorocha to allow ndi Imo to choose who should be the next governor of the state. We shall resist any attempt to impose any lackey of the governor as the next governor.
We once more call on all professionals to transfer their voters card to Imo and be ready to influence voters and get a credible governance in Imo.
Chukwuma Ezeala
President
