In commemoration of the 2024 world Human Rights Day, a Nigerian non-governmental organization, Zarephath Aid, has expressed fear over the rising number of pre-trial detainees in Nigerian correctional facilities across the country.
According to Zarephath Aid, which called for quick audit of the correctional facilities across the country, stated that about 80% of the entire inmates population in Nigerian correctional facilities are pre-trial detainees, with some having spent up to 16 years awaiting trial.
Ben Abraham, Founder of Zarephath Aid, at a press conference in Lagos, argued that the situation is a clear failure of the Nigerian criminal justice system.
Abraham attributed the delay in trial to various factors, including the absence of prosecution witnesses, lack of vehicles to convey inmates to court, and administrative issues affecting trial.
He emphasized that speedy trial is a fundamental human right, and any delay in trial is a violation of that right.
Zarephath Aid therefore called on the Nigerian government to take urgent action to address the issue of pre-trial detainees. The organization recommends an audit of all correctional facilities to identify the inmates and ascertain each inmate’s case.
Abraham also called for the creation of special panels by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi and that of the states to expedite action in the issuance of legal advice, and the engagement of Non-Governmental Organizations to support the decongestion of prisons.
The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the concerns raised by Zarephath Aid. However, human rights activists and lawyers have commended the organization for bringing attention to the plight of pre-trial detainees in Nigeria.
The founder of Zarephath Aid stated as Nigeria marks Human Rights Day, the issue of pre-trial detainees remains a major concern for human rights activists and organizations in the country.
