NEWS
Abia Assembly Passes Four Landmark Bills to Strengthen Criminal Justice, Property Regulation
By @TheKELVINATOR | August 4, 2026
…as House Passes H.A.B. 34 of 2025 – The Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenant Bill, 3 Others
The Abia State House of Assembly has recorded another major legislative milestone after passing four significant bills aimed at reforming the state’s criminal justice system, regulating property and tenancy matters, and strengthening the protection of lives and property across Abia State.
The bills were passed during Tuesday’s plenary following their consideration in the Committee of the Whole. The legislation includes:
1. H.A.B. 34 of 2025 – The Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenant Bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, and Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, representing Ohafia North.
2. H.A.B. 1 of 2026 – The Abia State Criminal Law Bill, sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu.
3. H.A.B. 2 of 2026 – The Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, also sponsored by Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu.
4. H.A.B. 7 of 2026 – The Abia State Restorative Justice Bill, likewise sponsored by Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu.
Announcing the passage of the bills, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, said the new laws would take effect from August 3, 2026, upon receiving the Governor’s assent. He congratulated members of the House for successfully passing the legislation, expressing confidence that the laws would significantly advance governance and justice administration in the state.
During earlier debates on the bills, the Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, had described the Abia State Criminal Law Bill as a child of necessity, stressing that the state’s existing criminal law had become outdated and could no longer adequately address present-day realities.
According to him, the new criminal law is designed to bridge existing legal gaps, establish a modern criminal justice framework, promote law and order, and provide stronger protection for lives and property throughout Abia State.
Speaking on the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, the Majority Leader explained that the legislation seeks to improve the administration of criminal justice by ensuring the speedy dispensation of criminal cases before the courts.
He added that the law is also intended to reduce crime while safeguarding the rights and interests of complainants, defendants, suspects and witnesses, ensuring that every party involved in criminal proceedings enjoys fair hearing and access to justice.
On the Restorative Justice Bill, Hon. Okoro said the legislation would create a legal framework for repairing harm suffered by victims of crime and violent attacks. He noted that the law would also ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions while promoting healing, reconciliation and justice for victims.
The Abia Real Estate, Landlords and Tenant Bill, jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker and Hon. Mandela Obasi, establishes the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority. The law also provides a comprehensive framework for regulating property and tenancy matters, protecting the rights of landlords and tenants, regulating the activities of agents, and addressing other related issues within the real estate sector.
Meanwhile, the House also advanced another piece of legislation during the sitting as H.A.B. 8 of 2026 – The Abia State Basic Environmental (Amendment No. 3) Bill, 2026, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. AuAugustine Okezie Meregini, successfully passed its first reading. The bill will proceed to the next stage of legislative consideration.