The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to address the prolonged and unlawful detention of inmates in correctional centres across the country. This follows the release of a report by the Working Group on the Legal Status of Inmates, which uncovered widespread violations of detainees’ rights.
The Facilitator of the Working Group, Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), while presenting the report, revealed that many inmates had been held far beyond the maximum prison terms for their offenses. He noted that some detainees, including those facing capital charges such as terrorism, had been in remand for over a decade without trial. He urged the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (HAGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to intervene immediately.
The report, which covered an audit of selected correctional centres from January to March 2025, also identified a high number of inmates without legal representation. Fapohunda stated that although the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria is mandated to provide free legal services, it remains underfunded and unable to assist most detainees. The Working Group also raised concerns about minors in detention and inmates with life-threatening medical conditions who require urgent care beyond the budget of the Correctional Services.
While addressing the findings, the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), emphasized the urgent need for reforms in the correctional system. “This report highlights deep seated challenges that require immediate and sustained intervention. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that no Nigerian is unlawfully detained due to judicial delays or lack of legal representation,” he stated.
To address these issues, the Working Group recommended that the minister engage State Attorneys-General through official letters and convene a meeting of the Body of Attorneys-General to ensure coordinated federal and state intervention. “Almost all the inmates are detained for offenses within the purview of the States, so their Ministries of Justice must take urgent action,” Fapohunda stressed.
