Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signed four laws aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system, improving public safety and enhancing governance in the state.
The laws, passed by the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, are the Abia State University Amendment No. 2 Law No. 4 of 2026; Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 6 of 2026; Abia State Criminal Law No. 7 of 2026; and Abia State Restorative Justice Law No. 8 of 2026.
Otti assented to the laws on Monday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, where he commended the lawmakers, judiciary and other stakeholders for their contributions to the legislative process.
The governor stressed that the effectiveness of the new laws would depend on proper enforcement, adequate penalties and the commitment of relevant institutions to upholding the rule of law.
He particularly highlighted the need to address narcotics-related offences, arguing that inadequate penalties could undermine efforts to combat criminal activities. He also called attention to the demand for illicit drugs, noting that the illegal market would not thrive without consumers.
Otti assured residents that his administration had the political will to enforce the laws and promote a safer society.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, said the three justice-related laws were designed to improve criminal justice administration, strengthen accountability, protect citizens and expand access to justice.
He explained that the reforms addressed concerns over cultism, violence, kidnapping, destruction of public infrastructure, sexual offences and delays in criminal trials.
According to Uwanna, the new Criminal Law strengthens provisions against unlawful societies and secret cults, covering their membership, sponsorship, meetings and management. The provisions extend beyond educational institutions to communities across the state.
The law also introduces measures against the vandalism of government infrastructure and illegal dealings in stolen public assets.
In protecting personal safety and human rights, the legislation strengthens provisions against rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and spousal violence. It recognises male and female rape victims and provides for a sex offenders register to promote accountability and protect the public.
Other provisions address kidnapping, child exploitation, corporate responsibility and offences involving electronic records and digital assets.
The law also broadens sentencing options to include restitution where appropriate, allowing the justice system to consider measures aimed at addressing harm caused by criminal conduct.
Uwanna said the Restorative Justice Law would provide a framework for addressing the consequences of crime while ensuring that offenders remained accountable for their actions.
The Administration of Criminal Justice Law is also expected to improve the handling of criminal cases and tackle delays in court proceedings.
In a separate development, Otti explained that the Abia State University Amendment No. 2 Law provides for the relocation of the university’s Umuahia campus to its main campus in Uturu.
He said the decision was intended to reduce administrative costs and enable students currently studying in Umuahia to benefit from the infrastructure and facilities available at the Uturu campus.
The governor said the move formed part of his administration’s efforts to improve institutional efficiency, optimise resources and provide students with better educational facilities.
Earlier, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, said the laws followed the necessary legislative procedures and were designed to strengthen criminal justice administration and promote restorative justice.
Emeruwa described the legislation as significant measures with far-reaching implications for governance and the administration of justice in the state.
On the university amendment, he said the legislation was intended to address issues relating to the institution’s administrative and campus arrangements, including convenience and the organisation of faculties.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions and improving service delivery.
Uwanna also disclosed that the state government planned to translate the new laws into Igbo to make their provisions more accessible to residents.
He said the initiative would help people better understand their legal rights, responsibilities and the consequences of criminal conduct, irrespective of their level of formal education or proficiency in English.
The Attorney-General thanked Otti for supporting reforms in the justice sector, stressing the importance of executive backing in ensuring effective implementation.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai; the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi; and other government officials and stakeholders.
The impact of the new laws will ultimately depend on their implementation, consistent enforcement and the ability of relevant institutions to protect residents, safeguard public assets and strengthen confidence in the justice system.
