Data published by the Nigerian Correctional Service and reviewed by Reporters has shown that 66% of inmates in correctional facilities across the country are still awaiting trial as of July 14.
The total number of inmates stood at 81,950, out of which 28,155 have been convicted. However, another 53,795 persons are awaiting trial, official records show.
Of those awaiting trial, 52,378 are male while 1,417 are female.
This development comes amid growing concerns over many Nigerians languishing in correctional facilities without being convicted of any crime.
Reporters earlier reported a heart-wrenching tale of justice delayed in the case of Gospel Nwibari, a 32-year-old man who was finally released from prison after spending 18 agonizing years behind bars without trial.
Arrested at the tender age of 14, Nwibari’s life was put on hold as he languished in detention, forgotten by the very system meant to protect him.
The day of his release was a moment of joy and relief for his family, particularly his brother, Paul Kinani, who had presumed him dead for years.
“I thought he was gone forever. We looked for him everywhere. Getting that call from Haven360 Foundation felt like a miracle,” Kinani said, his voice trembling with emotion as he struggled to hold back tears.
Correctional facilities are not the only places where many Nigerians are languishing without trial.
Reporters also reported that a former community leader and school proprietor, Momoh Abubakar Otuhuo, has reportedly been held in detention since 2022 alongside three others, following what sources describe as a personal fallout with a former local government chairman.
A source told Reporters that the former chairman allegedly wrote a petition to the authorities, which led to the arrest of Momoh Abubakar Otuhuo, Idris Abdul Malik, and others by the Department of State Services (DSS). Both men have remained in DSS custody since 2022.
According to the source, despite being held for over two years, the DSS has neither charged the duo in court nor allowed family members to visit them.
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has also summoned the Nigerian Army, the State Security Services (SSS), and the Office of the Attorney General over the continued detention of youth leader Ntari Danladi for four years without trial.
The hearing, initially scheduled for July 16, was postponed to July 31 due to the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This development was confirmed by Danladi’s lawyer, Pius Danba Pius.
Danladi, a former National President of the Mumuye Youths, was arrested at the youth wing office of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association at Mile 6 in Jalingo, Taraba State.
The House Committee, in a statement, noted that all parties are required to take notice of Sections 88 and 89(C) of the Constitution (as amended).
There have been calls for a review of the country’s justice system. However, cries of injustice persist, with many Nigerians still rotting in prison without any court action.
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