Petty offenders should get community service instead of jail – Solomon Akpanaba

Public Relations Officer of the Commercial National Motor Riders Union, Solomon Akpanaba, has called for non-custodial sentences for people convicted of petty offences, arguing that minor offenders should not necessarily be sent to prison for failing to pay fines.

Mr Akpanaba said a person who enters prison for a minor offence could come into contact with serious offenders and potentially return to society negatively affected by the experience.

Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Mr Akpanaba questioned why a person arrested for a minor road-related offence, such as failing to wear a reflective jacket, could be sentenced to a fine and subsequently imprisoned for 30 days if unable to pay.