News Agency of Nigeria
Butcher jailed 1 year for stabbing colleague
Judiciary

Butcher jailed 1 year for stabbing colleague

By Zainab Oyekan
An Area Court sitting in Jos on Monday sentenced a 24-year-old butcher, Mathew Danjuma, to one year imprisonment for stabbing his colleague.
The judge, Mr hawomi Bokkos, who jailed Danjuma after he confessed to the crime, however, gave him an option of N50,000 fine.
He also ordered him to pay N35,000 as compensation to the complainant.
Bokkos said the judgment would serve as a deterrent to those who would want to indulge in such acts.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Ibrahim Gokwat told the court that the case was reported on May 21 at the C’ Division by Umar Muhammed, the complainant.
Gokwat said the convict got angry with Muhammed during an altercation and stabbed him with a knife.
He said the offence contravened the provisions of the Section 241 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
Call for suspension of CCT chairman out of ignorance – Official 
Judiciary

Call for suspension of CCT chairman out of ignorance – Official 

 

By Oloniruha Emmanuel

 

The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has described the recent call for the immediate suspension of its Chairman, Justice Danladi Umar, from office over alleged incompetence as a reflection of ignorance.

 

The Media Aide to the CCT Chairman, Mr Atekojo Usman, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

 

A group under the umbrella of the Progressive Foundational Movement (PFM) had, on Thursday called for Umar’s sack through some social media plartdorms.

 

Usman said the call would have been ordinarily considered as the work of an idle mind and be ignored, but records must be put in proper perspective to guard against misguiding the public.

 

He said “the CCT is a specilonial court with coordinate jurisdiction with the Federal and State High Courts in Nigeria, saddled with the responsibility of adjudicating assets declaration related cases of public servants which emanated from the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

 

“This means, the CCT under the chairmanship of Justice Danladi Umar does not generate administrative cases to be adjudicated.

 

“This is with the exception those cases passed to it by the Code of Conduct Bureau, an agency saddled with the mandate to document, verify and assess assets of public servants in Nigeria.

 

“One is therefore, appalled at how a group which is led by an acclaimed lawyer who should know is displaying a crass ignorance of the workings of the CCT and CCB.”

 

The media aide explained further that “of particular interest, is the fact that every public servant is obliged to declare asset at the beginning of his or her office and also declare asset after the tenure of office.

 

“This means that public servants by the end of President Muhammadu Buhari administration on May 29, 2023 were expected to declare their assets which is statutorily the responsibility of the CCB.

 

“It is an administrative process which the CCB would have to carry out through its internal organ before forwarding to the CCT depending on the report of CCB’s Asset and Verification Committee report.

 

“One wonders if the CCT that has adjudicatory powers should witch hunt anyone as one, Mr Aganaba Johnson, a lawyer and leader of the group would want the public to believe,” he said.

 

Usman added that the CCT is a court and does not get involved in politics hence should be excused from political mudslinging of any sort.

 

He added that the court would not allow politicians to use it as means of political vendetta.

 

He also condemned the claim by the group that the two agencies had failed woefully in the fight against corruption in the past four years, especially the CCB, by not able to send at least one person to be prosecuted in the tribunal.

 

“If his words were anything to go by, should Danladi Umar-led CCT be going to the market square in search of who to prosecute?

 

“Surprisingly, the CCT chairman has championed a far- reaching reform on the Act that established the court which was signed into law at the twilight of the former President Buhari’s administration, that will yield results in no distant time.

 

“Justice Danladi Umar-led CCT is an open court where lawyers, private citizens, individuals are free to observe proceedings and it remains to be comprehended if the group leader has ever bothered to visit the CCT during trial of public officers to keep himself abreast of the many cases tried so far.

 

“This would have helped him in not dissipating energy for nothingness, particularly as a lawyer, he should be interested in the CCT cases.

 

“It is advised that the group leaders, individuals or interested individuals should explore the Freedom of Information Act to obtain information on activities of government agencies before rushing to the media,” he said.

 

According to him, this will help them to speak from the point of authorities as records will always be made available following the due processes.

 

He said the CCT had tried failed asset declaration cases of public officers across board with judgements delivered within the ambit of the law.

 

He said from the aforementioned, it was easier to deduce those sponsoring the group to issue spurious and misguided statements against the person of the Honourable Justice.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

INEC boss to appear before election petition court
Judiciary

INEC boss to appear before election petition court

By Edith Nwapi

Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will on Thursday appear before the Presidential Election Petition Court Thursday.

This was stated on Tuesday by Chris Uche, SAN lead counsel to Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party in their ongoing petition.

In a petition marked CA/PEPC/05/2023, Abubakar Atiku and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are challenging the outcome of the Feb.25 presidential election which declared President Bola Tinubu as the winner.

The respondents are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC president Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Uche said the INEC chairman will during his appearance testify on the conduct of the disputed presidential election.

Uche told the court that he does not want the respondents especially Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be caught unawares.

Earlier, the petitioners called their 19th witness (PW19), Alex Ter, their first star witness to testify.

Ter is a lawyer and a politician, National coordinator of PDP ‘s National situation room.

Abubakar Mahmoud , SAN counsel for INEC however, objected when the witness was about to adopt his statement which were more than one.

Mahmoud told the Court that they objected on May 20 to the petitioners’s ‘ reply on the additional statements.

He stated that it was not pleaded in line with the provisions of the law and therefore, urged the court to dissmiss it and uphold the objection.

He however, told the court that he would reserve their reasons for the objections for be communicated at the final addresses

Uche for the petitioners told the court that the objections INEC raised has been argued and ruling reserved by the court.

“Whatever objection that INEC has should be kept aside, “  Uche said.

He therefore, urged the court to overrule the objection and allow the process go on.

He told the court that they are tendering Manual for the conduct of the 2023 election.

He said he will be tendering video clips of broadcast, by the chairman of INEC on the preparation for the election and that of Festus Okoye National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC on the election.

The also said that he will be tendering European Union (EU) election observers mission broadcast alongside the transcripts and the certificates of authenticity of the three videos.

He said this was pursuant to Section 84 of the Evidence Act.

He also tendered INEC I-reV screen shots of the portal as of March 18 and March 19.

Also tendered was I-reV results portal at the pulling units of March 1and the transcripts and certificates of authenticity.

INEC did not object but Tinubu and APC objected, but all the respondents reserved their responses until their final written addresses.
Under cross examination by INEC’s lawyer, Mahmoud, the witness admitted that he was not at the National Collation Center but was at the PDP situation room in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He also admitted not being an ICT experts but that he based his report from information obtained from agents of the PDP at the collation centers.

The witness faulted INEC for not transmitting presidential election results electronically, adding that calculation errors led the electoral body into grave errors .

Also cross examined by Akin Olujimi SAN, counsel for Tinubu, the witness said that he came to the conclusion that the presidential election was invalid by reason of corrupt electoral practices as related to him by PDP agents.

Testifying as the petitioners ‘ 20th witness (PW20) was Olutunji Shelle.

He alleged during cross examination by INEC counsel that there were some secret pulling units set up by APC in Lagos.

He however said he did not visit any.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the petitioners have called 20 witnesses so far out of 100 the told the court their would call.

Meanwhile, the five-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani adjourned until tomorrow for further hearing of the petition. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

PEPC views Obi first video evidence
Judiciary

PEPC views Obi first video evidence

By Edith Nwapi

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) on Saturday viewed the first video evidence presented before it by Mr Peter Obi and his party, Labour party.

Obi and his party are petitioners in the petition marked CA/PEPC/03/2023 challenging the election which brought President Bola Tinubu into power.

Respondents are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the resumed hearing of the petition on Saturday, the two videos were played before the court.

The court had earlier admitted the flash drive of the videos in evidence.

The two videos were produced through two subpoenas dated May 30 and June 6 which was served on the Channels TV station..

The videos were interviews with the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu on the preparation for the election.

The second one was that of Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC.

The videos were tendered through a subpoenaed witness from Channels TV, Mr Lucky Obowo-Isawode.

All respondents in the petition objected to the videos but reserved their responses to their final written addresses.

The petitioners through their Counsel, Jubrin Okitepa tendered in evidence form EC40GEU from six local government areas of Benue.

They further tendered form EC40OG (1) from one local area of Benue and also, copy of INEC certified true copy of the form in respect of Benue.

The court marked and admitted all in evidence.

All the respondents‘ counsel objected to it but reserved their responses to their final written addresses.

Meanwhile, the five-man panel led by Justice Haruna Tsammani adjourned until Tuesday for further hearing of the petition. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

International Human Rights Commission lauds Nigeria’s peaceful transition
Judiciary

International Human Rights Commission lauds Nigeria’s peaceful transition

By Justina Auta

Dr Malami Ma’aji, Ambassador At Large of African Region, International Human Rights Commission, has commended the peaceful democratic transition of power to the newly elected governments in Nigeria.

Ma’aji, while congratulating President Bola Tinubu and the newly sworn in governors in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, applauded Nigerians, security institutions and all stakeholders, particularly former President Muhammadu Buhari, for ensuring the peaceful transition.

According to him, the process significantly elevated Nigeria’s status in the community of nations.

He, therefore, urged Tinubu to continue to respect the rules of law and human rights and assured him of the IHRC support for the development of the country.

He assured that the commission would continue to stand for the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people, particularly women, children and less privileged in the society.

“The main objectives of International Human Rights Commission are to serve humanity irrespective of their differences in religion, region and tribe, as well as struggle against violation of human rights, bloodshed and terrorism in Africa and the world.

“We provide awareness and educate the governments, legislatures and diplomats, among others, to ensure people’s rights are been respected and also protected,” said the envoy.

He therefore urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and love as no nation developed without peaceful coexistence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Trust in govt. policies, programmes, CCPT chair urges Nigerians
Judiciary

Trust in govt. policies, programmes, CCPT chair urges Nigerians

By Hafsat Tilde
Nigerians have been urged to continue to have trust in various government policies and programmes established to ease their daily life challenges.

Hajiya Saratu Shafi’i, Chairman of Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT),  stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

She said that the efforts of government to make life comfortable for Nigerians led to the establishment of agencies and commissions that would directly impact on them.

Shafii said that the CCPT was such body charged with reviewing the decision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other sector regulators.

The Tribunal consists of the Chairman and six members from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

It is a court of record set up to review the decisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other sector regulators on matters relating to Competition and Consumer Protection.

Shafii said that the CCPT was such body charged with responsibilities of providing ease of seeking redress and justice to both service providers and consumers.

“Once Nigerians realise and enforce their rights as consumers, service providers and producers will sit up and give better services to them, and the Tribunal will ensure justice.

“As a pioneer chairman, I will want to leave a Tribunal with a strong law, procedure rules, dynamic institutional framework and efficient workforce that will position and maintain the Tribunal as a veritable tool in National Development Spectrum.

“My tentative plan is to position the Tribunal in a pedestal where justice to the producers/service providers, justice to the consumers and justice to Nigeria will not only be done but will be seen to be have been done,” she said.

Shafii said that many expectations followed her appointment as the chairman of the tribunal as a person with lofty objections and visions.

“As a person that went for a 29 years training and retraining such as leadership skills, workplace ethics, value proposition, creativity and innovation, I felt the need to up the game in the new establishment.

“I joined CAC as a Senior Legal Officer and rose through the ranks to a Director. One would inevitably assumed that I must have built knowledge capital, social capital and emotional intelligence overtime.

“Therefore, the expectations is that of an integrated toolkits full of resilience and critical thinking as expected of a pioneer Chairman that must lay a solid foundation to achieve the Tribunal’s mandate.”

She said that the Tribunal was established with the normal challenges of building something from scratch, adding that the members of the tribunal were all committed to the take off due to its importance to Nigerians.

“Generally speaking, I had no challenges in its strict sense. However, where a new Tribunal is established as a novel agency with no existing Rules, Practice Direction or manual to function and you as a Chairman have the directive of the Federal Government to commence work immediately, then this must indeed call for a strategic and critical actions which some people may think as challenging.

“In this case, with my background as a Legal Practitioner I leverage on my educational background, professional network, the partnership of my six members of the Tribunal and the team spirit of my pioneer staff to come up with an action plan, set a milestone and provide an implementation strategy,” she said.

Some of the CCPT mandate under section 39 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 is the mandate to adjudicate on all matters prohibited under the Act.

The CCPT mandates include the following; To adjudicate on all matters bordering on Unfair Competition, Unlawful Merger, Price Fixing, Monopoly and Consumer Rights Protection.

To hear appeals from or review any decision of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) taken in the course of the implementation of any of the provisions of the (FCCPA) as may be referred to it.

To hear appeals from or review of any sector of specific regulatory authority in a regulated industry in respect of competition and consumer protection matters, issue such orders as may be required of it under the (FCCPA).

And make any ruling or such other orders as may be necessary or incidental to the performance of its functions under the (FCCPA).

The Chairman added that the Tribunal was proud of four judgments since its establishment and would do more in the future as well as undertake the amendment of the Act.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Judiciary

Only a small fraction of cybercrimes are prosecuted, adjudicated – Solicitor General

Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor General of the Federation

 

By Ebere Agozie

Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor General of the Federation says only a small fraction of cybercrimes is actually prosecuted and adjudicated.

Jedy-Agba said this at the closing ceremony of the ‘Training of Trainers on Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence for Judges and Prosecutors in Abuja.

The event was under the Global Extended Action on Cybercrime (GLACY+) in Nigeria, West African Response on Cybersecurity and Fight against Cybercrime (OCWAR-C), both EU funded projects in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.

She noted that Nigeria acceded to the Council of Europe’s Budapest Convention on Cybercrime ETS No. 185 in July 2022 which is the most relevant close-to-global existing legal framework on cybercrime and one of the benefits for member states is capacity building in the area of cybercrime.

“It goes without saying that digital transformation has essentially redefined life, particularly in the post-covid era and while it has benefits, there are resulting challenges which include the increase in cybercrimes.

“Since accession to the convention, this is the first national activity under GLACY+ in Nigeria and it is a great idea to have it partner with OCWAR-C.

“Nigeria appreciates this partnership and support to create a national pool of trainers on cybercrimes and electronic evidence for Judges and Prosecutors.

She said that the global nature of this menace sometimes described as “phenomenon without borders” makes it imperative for countries to seek to build capacity to be able to effectively combat it.

“Hence, the efforts of the international organisations in cyber capacity building cannot be over-emphasised.

“The increasing reliance on electronic evidence not only for cybercrimes but even traditional crimes which may not be located in the territory where the case is investigated makes it even more imperative to build capacity on its use.

“Therefore, the continuous need to train and re-train criminal justice sector authorities cannot be overrated as it will enhance their ability to effectively apply cybercrime legislation and respond to the challenges it poses”, she said.

She said that as a commitment to the fight against cybercrimes and the capacity building of the criminal justice authority, the Minister of Justice inaugurated the Reconstituted Global Action on Cybercrime Extended (GLACY+) National Co-ordination Team with membership from key stakeholders.

She commended the Justices of the Federal High Court who took out time to be participants at the training and also the prosecutors from the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“This training will fundamentally be beneficial to the dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

“I urge participants to pass on the knowledge acquired to other legal practitioners as national trainers on cybercrime and electronic evidence”, she added.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FCT) Justice John Tsoho, represented by Justice Inyang Ekwo, expressed his delight at the training aimed at effective justice delivery in the country.

“When I received the invitation to nominate 10 judges, I was challenged and sceptical as approving ten judges to leave their respective desks for one week for fear that they might be affected bearing in mind the tight doctrine of the court.

“However, upon noting that the program is based on the global action on cybercrime and electronic evidence, I did not hesitate to
send the number of judges requested.

“I had taken out some time to go through the program and acknowledge that the judges have benefited greatly in the training and acquired the capacity to demonstrate the knowledge
gained in judicial proceedings and impart this knowledge to others”.

Tsoho noted that cybercrime is a global issue and he is convinced that building effective repositioning of knowledge will bring about skilled prosecution and effective judicial proceedings.

“I commend the organizers and participants of this programme and I am satisfied that the programme ran its course successfully.

“I also request for follow-ups for this programme as I believe that the interactions in the course of the programme were fruitful.

“I therefore salute everyone for a successful programme, and declare it closed”. (NAN)

=======
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Judiciary

NBC to appeal ruling nullifying powers to impose fines

By Ephraims Sheyin

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), says it will appeal a ruling by a Federal High Court, Abuja nullifying its powers to impose fines on erring broadcast stations.

Its reaction to the Wednesday ruling by Justice James Omotosho was contained in a statement signed by its Director General, Balarabe Shehu Illelah.

Omotosho, while ruling on a suit filed by Incorporated Media Rights Agenda, declared that NBC was not a Court and had no power to impose fines as punishment on broadcast stations.

He held that the NBC code, which gives the commission the power to impose a sanction, was in conflict with section 6 of the constitution that vested judicial power in the court of law.

He added that the NBC, not being Nigerian police, had no power to conduct a criminal investigation that would lead to criminal trial and imposition of sanctions.

But the NBC, in the statement on Friday in Abuja, said that it had applied for a Certified Copy of the judgment.

“The commission will appeal against the judgment when found to be in conflict with previous judgments which empowers NBC to regulate broadcasting in Nigeria,” the statement said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Ephraims Sheyin Sheyin

Judiciary

CAMA 2020: Lawyer appeals against lower court judgment

By Taiye Agbaje

A lawyer, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, has appealed against a Federal High Court (FHC) judgment which held that his suit filed against some sections of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, was not binding on the National Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice James Omotosho of FHC, Abuja, had, on April 18, nullified some sections of CAMA, 2020 which were considered to infringe on the fundamental human rights of the Nigerian citizens, following a suit filed by Ekpenyong.

Ekpenyong, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, had in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1076/2020, sued the National Assembly, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Attorney-General for the Federation (AGF) as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

In the originating summons dated and filed on Aug. 31, 2020, the lawyer prayed the court to determine whether the provisions of Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848 and 851 of CAMA infringed on his rights to thought conscience, and religion as enshrined in Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.

Delivering the judgement, Justice Omotosho agreed with Ekpenyong that the powers granted to CAC to regulate and administer Incorporated Trustees in Nigeria under Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847 and 848 of CAMA 2020 infringed on his right to freedom of thoughts.

The judge, who held that the lawyer had locus to institute the suit, struck down Sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, 848 and Section 851 of CAMA 2020, declaring same to be null and void, having been inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution.

But Omotosho, however, agreed with the National Assembly’s argument that since Ekpenyong did not serve the legislature with pre-action notice in line with Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Power and Privileges Act, the suit was incompetent against the legislative organ.

Meanwhile, in his notice of appeal dated April 28, the lawyer sued the National Assembly, CAC and AGF as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

He argued that the trial judge erred in law when he held that his suit was incompetent against the NASS (1st respondent) because he failed to serve a three-month’s pre-action notice on the legislative body.

He further argued that the provisions of Section 46(1) of the constitution did not make service of pre-action notice on government agencies and statutory bodies, including the NASS, a condition precedent before he can apply to the trial court to enforce his fundamental human rights provided in Chapter IV of the constitution.

He said Paragraph 3(b) and (c) of the Preamble to the Human Rights Rules provided that the overriding objectives of the rules was for the purpose of advancing but never for the purpose of restricting the applicant’s rights and freedoms.

Ekpenyong, who sought four reliefs, prayed the court for an order allowing his appeal.

“An order of this honourable court setting aside the part of the judgment of the trial court which held that the action of the appellant is incompetent against the 1st respondent (NASS) because the appellant did not serve the 1st respondent with a pre-action notice pursuant to Section 21 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

“An order of this honourable court that the appellant’s suit is competent against the 1st respondent.

“An order of this honourable court that the judgment of Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja Division delivered on April 18, is binding on the 1st respondent,” the application read.

No date has been fixed for the matter. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

===========
Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Judiciary

Pre-trial detention: CSO resolves 1,400 cases in 5 years

By Naomi Sharang

The Network of University Legal Aid Institutions, (NULAI), Nigeria, a civil society organisation resolved  1, 400 pretrial detention cases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Keffi, Nasarawa State in five years.

The President of NULAI, Prof. Ernest Ojukwu, SAN, said this at an event organised in Abuja on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by NULAI with the support of United States Department of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and Partners Global.

The project was on “Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria (RPDN): Project Retrospective Outlook Close -out Session “.

Ojukwu who was represented by Executive Director NULAI, Dr Mukhtar Nasiru said that the project started in 2018 and had been impactful.

“There is no iota of doubt this is the most impactful project NULAI has ever been involved in.

“This is certain because the reports are showing some amazing statistics of impacts that have been made on different fronts.”

He said “Over 1,400 cases have been resolved; over 500 students have been able to support pro bono lawyers to intervene in cases and these cases have been resolved.

“Over 15, 000 pretrial detention cases are being updated , the records are updated in the correctional centres, that is to show you that the use of technology has helped to solve a lot of systemic problems that are affecting the criminal justice system.”

Ojukwu, however, said that there has been a lot of problems of pretrial detention in the country which has resulted into overcrowding in the correctional centres.

“The figure in Nigeria is 75 per cent and it has been consistent. What I mean by 75 per cent is that of every 100 people in the correctional center, 75 per cent of them are pretrial detainees.

“This means that their cases have not been decided. They have not been convicted. Only 25 per cent have been convicted.

“We have been able to reduce significantly all the problems that make cases to be adjourned.”

He said that with the effort by the CSO, the period of adjournment has been reduced from 31 days to 14 days.

Also speaking, David Greene, Charge’ d’ Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Nigeria, said that Nigeria was not alone in facing the challenge of pretrial detention.

“It is universal. The fundamental principle of any democratic society like Nigeria is not just the rule of law, but there must be a functioning justice system,” he said.

He said that the project was implemented in the FCT and Keffi adding that the U.S. would replicate this role to include additional states in north central region.

Similarly, NULAI’s Programme Manager, Mahmud Yusuf said that the organisation had been working with the Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS) to achieve its goal.

He said: “With a little over 70,000 detainees in detention in correctional centres across states, 63,000 are pretrial detainees which constitute a high percentage of pretrial detainees.

“The problem with pretrial detention is a system wide problem not just from the correctional centres but from the point of entry, you look at what are the courts doing, what are the prosecuting agencies doing.

“And then the resulting effect is the congestion and then the resultant pretrial situation we have across the country.”

He said that the way out was to look at the structures in place to address pretrial detention.

For Controller-General Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS),.Haliru Nababa, appreciated NULAI’S effort at
reducing cases of pretrial detainees in the country.

Nababa was represented by Controller, Custodial, Adamu Yahaya.

He said that the major challenge in the custodial centres was overcrowding of the facilities.

“NULAI has supported the service in addressing the issue of overcrowding of inmates awaiting trial in custodial centres,” he said.

Also speaking, Ms Deborah Mancini, Director of the Africa PartnersGlobal said the organisation had been discussing issues relating to pretrial detention in Nigeria.

“We realise that Nigeria had gone through a very progressive legal reform process where they have put in place the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

“The Act gave a lot of opportunity to ensure that pretrial detention cases were handled more effectively in the courts.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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