Umuahia – A lawyer, Mr. Victor Nwaugo, has raised the alarm over the continued detention of inmates and detainees in Abia State correctional facilities due to the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in the state.

Nwaugo appealed to the Abia State chapter of JUSUN to immediately call off its industrial action, warning that the strike is severely undermining access to justice.

“People who should have regained their freedom remain in custody. Some have been granted bail and met their conditions, yet cannot be released because courts are not sitting,” Nwaugo said.

The lawyer lamented that the prolonged closure of courts has left many litigants confused, as numerous adjourned cases cannot proceed. He also noted that lawyers in the state are facing serious economic difficulties as a result of the strike.

Nwaugo urged JUSUN members to reopen the courts, arguing that the Abia State government has substantially addressed most of their demands. He pointed out that the state judiciary is already enjoying financial autonomy, noting that the Chief Judge has not publicly complained about funding issues.

Reacting to the appeal, Abia State Chairman of JUSUN, Comrade Chinedu Ezeh, dismissed Nwaugo’s position, accusing him of speaking like an agent of the Abia State government rather than as an independent lawyer.

The strike by JUSUN in Abia State has paralysed judicial activities, leaving courts shut and causing a backlog of cases across the state.