Reps to AGF: Expedite trial of persons in prolonged detention

The house of representatives has asked Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, to expedite the trial of persons in prolonged detention.

The green chamber passed the resolution during plenary on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Ahmed Muhammad from Zamfara state.

In December 2023, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) said no fewer than 53,836 inmates in the 253 correctional centres nationwide are awaiting trial.

Moving the motion, Muhammad said the constitution and international conventions harp on the fundamental right to a fair and speedy trial.

“Numerous individuals are languishing in prolonged pre-trial detention, often exceeding legal limits by years,” Muhammad said.

The legislator said this violates their rights, contributing to overcrowded prisons.

The lawmaker added that a “significant number” of persons in prisons are detained for minor offences.

“The delay in adjudicating legal matters results in prison congestion, violates the rights of the accused, and erodes public confidence in the judicial system,” he said.

The Zamfara lawmaker added that trial delay dissuades witness appearances and compromises the integrity of the judicial process, noting that there is a need to address this “systemic injustice” and uphold the fundamental right to a fair trial for all.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

Consequently, the house asked the judiciary to “adopt innovative case management strategies ensuring timely hearings, with special consideration for individuals who have endured an undue amount of time in pre-trial detention”.

The lower legislative chamber mandated the committees on judiciary, correctional services and human rights to investigate the causes of pre-trial delays, propose reforms and report back within four weeks.