At a sensitization campaign Monday to create awareness of its activities, the State Coordinator, Mr Ogbenyi Ogah, said over 80 criminal cases were pending at the various courts across the state, including the Federal High Court. Ogah attributed the low number of cases completed in the year ending to the long strike witnessed in the early part of the year by the judiciary staff Union of Nigeria. Although he didn’t disclose the number of beneficiaries, he said the council had over the years continued to provide free legal service and assistance to the less privileged. “The Council provides free legal representation and assistance to the poor whose cases come within the purview of the second schedule of Act, to wit, murder, armed robbery and others. “The Council grant legal aid, advice and access to justice shall be provided by the council in three broad areas, Criminal Defence Service, Advice and Legal Assistance in Civil matters,” he said. He listed some of the challenges being face by the council to include inadequate funds from both Federal and state governments to meet the demand ever increasing indigent clients.]]>