Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Muhammad Sabiu
Published on 2024-03-12 16:46:24
Dr. John Omughele, a legal expert, revealed that there are currently over 70,000 inmates awaiting trial in correctional centers across Nigeria. Speaking at a town hall meeting on ‘Access to Justice’ organized by the Public Private Development Centre (PPDC) and the US Department of State Bureau for Narcotics and Enforcement Affairs in Kaduna, Omughele emphasized the negative implications of this backlog. He highlighted the challenges of feeding the inmates, providing healthcare, and the need to decongest these facilities.
Omughele stressed the urgency of improving the justice system to ensure the prompt resolution of cases and the decongestion of correctional centers. He pointed out that many of the inmates awaiting trial have not yet had their cases concluded or are serving sentences. This points to a systemic issue that needs to be addressed promptly.
The legal expert emphasized the need for Chief Judges to assign cases promptly to judges who can handle them in a timely manner. He also advocated for regular town hall meetings to assess what is being done right and where improvements can be made in the administration of criminal justice.
Jibril Shittu, the CEO of PPDC, reiterated the organization’s commitment to partnering with justice sector institutions to enhance the efficiency and speed of justice dispensation. He emphasized the importance of reforming and strengthening criminal justice institutions to meet the justice needs of the people.
Shittu highlighted the underdevelopment and lack of capacity in Nigeria’s criminal justice institutions, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms to address these deficiencies. By focusing on service delivery and efficiency in court processes, PPDC aims to facilitate a more effective and responsive justice system.
The collaboration between PPDC and various stakeholders in the justice sector reflects a collective effort to address the challenges facing the criminal justice system in Nigeria. Through initiatives like town hall meetings and advocacy for reforms, these organizations are working towards a more accessible, efficient, and fair justice system for all Nigerians.
In conclusion, the high number of inmates awaiting trial in correctional centers underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to improve the administration of justice in Nigeria. By addressing the backlog of cases, enhancing the efficiency of court processes, and strengthening criminal justice institutions, the country can ensure a more effective and equitable justice system for all its citizens.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
