Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has signed into law four major bills passed by the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, in a bold move to strengthen the justice system, protect citizens, and improve governance.
The newly enacted laws are:
– Abia State University Amendment No. 2 Law No. 4 of 2026
– Abia State Criminal Law No. 7 of 2026
– Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 6 of 2026
– Abia State Restorative Justice Law No. 8 of 2026
Governor Otti assented to the laws on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, where he commended members of the 8th Assembly, the judiciary, and other stakeholders for their thorough work on the legislation.
Otti Vows Strict Enforcement
Governor Otti said effective legislation must go beyond enactment, stressing that laws must have appropriate penalties and strong political will for enforcement.
He noted that weak penalties for narcotics and hard drugs have undermined efforts to tackle criminal activities, adding that addressing demand for illicit drugs is as important as cutting supply.
The Governor vowed that his administration has the political will to ensure the new laws are fully respected and enforced to promote a safer Abia.
Major Highlights: War Against Cultism, Kidnapping, Rape, Vandalism
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, explained that the three justice-related laws were designed to improve criminal justice administration, strengthen accountability, protect citizens and expand access to justice.
According to him, the reforms respond to public concerns over cultism, violence, kidnapping, vandalism of public infrastructure, sexual offences and delays in criminal prosecution.
Key provisions include:
– Cultism: Stronger measures against unlawful societies and secret cults, covering membership, sponsorship, meetings and management — extending beyond schools to communities.
– Vandalism: Tough sanctions against vandalism of government infrastructure and unlawful dealings in stolen public assets.
– S*xual Offences: Stronger protections against rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and spousal violence. The law recognizes both male and female victims and provides for a Sex Offenders Register.
– Other Offences: Provisions for kidnapping, child exploitation, corporate responsibility, and offences involving electronic records and digital assets, plus expanded sentencing options including restitution.
The Restorative Justice Law provides a framework that focuses on addressing harm caused by crime alongside accountability, while the Administration of Criminal Justice Law will ensure faster handling of criminal cases and reduce delays.
*ABSU Umuahia Campus To Relocate To Uturu*
Governor Otti also explained the ABSU Amendment Law, which provides for relocation of the university’s Umuahia campus back to the main campus in Uturu.
He said the decision will reduce administrative costs and allow students in Umuahia to benefit from massive infrastructure and facilities being provided at Uturu. The government will make appropriate arrangements for orderly transition of students and staff.
Earlier, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, said the House followed due legislative procedures to develop comprehensive laws to strengthen the criminal justice system and improve institutional efficiency.
In a unique move to deepen access to justice, Attorney-General Uwanna disclosed plans to translate the new laws into the Igbo language so ordinary residents can understand their rights, responsibilities, and consequences, regardless of formal education.
Present at the ceremony were the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, and other top government officials and stakeholders.
With the signing, the Otti administration has reinforced its commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and efficient governance — with enforcement now the ultimate test.
