The Imo State House of Assembly, apparently in response to public outcry, has amended the controversial Administration of Criminal Justice Law No 2 of 2020.
The House had on Tuesday, before it proceeded on Christmas break, amended the law, which now strips Governor Hope Uzodimma, or any future governor of the State, the power to order the arrest and detain citizens at his own pleasure.
The law was passed in March 2020 and assented to, by the Governor in August, which raised eyebrows and attracted widespread outrage.
The bill for amendment of section 484 and 485 of the controversial law was sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader, and member representing Ehime Mbano State Constituency, Emeka Nduka.
Majority of members supported the bill for amendment.
Based on the amendment, a new version of the law now states that the order to arrest and detain has to emanate from the court while the affected persons would be of unsound minds or minors.
Newspaper reports quoted the member representing Isu State Constituency, Hon. Ngozi Obiefule, to have said that the bill for amendment emanating from the executive shows the executive listened to the outcry of the public.
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