The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to accelerate the trial process for individuals in prolonged detention across the country.
This resolution followed a motion presented by Hon. Ahmed Muhammed, the representative for Bukura/Maradun Federal Constituency, Zamfara State, during Thursday’s plenary.
In December 2023, the Nigerian Correctional Service disclosed that over 53,836 inmates in 253 correctional centres nationwide were awaiting trial. Many of these detainees have remained in custody for years without trial, a situation that Muhammed described as a violation of the law and a major contributor to the overcrowding of correctional facilities.
Citing the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international conventions that advocate for the speedy trial of suspects, Muhammed emphasized the need for urgent reforms in the judicial system.
He decried the lengthy pre-trial detentions that often exceed legal limits and observed that many individuals held in prison are charged with minor offences.
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According to him, “Numerous individuals are languishing in prolonged pre-trial detention, often exceeding legal limits by years. This violates their rights and contributes to the overcrowding of correctional centres.”
He further pointed out that the delays in adjudicating cases not only frustrate witnesses but also compromise the integrity of the judicial process.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker stressed the importance of addressing this “systemic injustice” to ensure that the fundamental right to a fair trial is upheld. He warned that continued delays erode public confidence in the justice system and called for urgent intervention.
Following a voice vote, the House adopted the motion and referred it to the Committees on Judiciary, Correctional Services, and Human Rights. The committees are tasked with investigating the causes of pre-trial delays, proposing reforms, and reporting back within four weeks.
The House also urged the judiciary to adopt innovative case management strategies to ensure timely hearings, particularly for individuals who have endured long periods in pre-trial detention.
The motion highlights the urgent need for judicial reforms to address the backlog of cases and ensure that justice is both timely and fair for all detainees in Nigeria.
