News - News Agency Of Nigeria

69% of inmates are awaiting-trial persons – NCoS (Page 2,332)

By Ibironke Ariyo

A total of 54,171 inmates out of the 79,076 inmates in correctional centres nationwide as at July 31, are awaiting-trial persons.

Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa gave the figure on Thursday in Abuja at an international conference on prisoners’ justice.

The conference held to commemorate the 2023 International Prisoners Justice Day.

Nababa was represented at the conference by the Deputy Controller-General, Finance and Accounts Department of the NCoS, Mr Abdulai Magaji.

“As at July 31, no fewer than 54,171 inmates, representing 69 per cent of the 79,076 inmates are awaiting-trial persons, while 24,905 inmates, representing 31 per cent are convicts.

“This remains the most daunting setback confronting the NCoS. One can only imagine the enormity of having to consistently produce inmates in court when required.

“This is coupled with the complications of managing such high number of pre-trial detainees amidst overcrowding,’’ he said.

He noted that the NCoS Act (2019) provided the service with a more robust framework to contribute significantly to prompt justice delivery in Nigeria.

He said the significance of the conference could not be overemphasised given the fact that justice is essentially the cornerstone of any social system.

“Justice is foundational to the sustenance and growth of any human society. It emphasises the rights and dignity of all persons, including those behind bars.

“This, largely underpins the aptness of the theme for this conference: “Enhancing Global Response for Prisoners’ Justice,’’ he said.

He added that safe and humane custody in custodial centres is the high point of justice delivery for persons in custody and for the society at large.

Magaji said improved logistics support for the NCoS had resulted in significant improvement in access to justice by awaiting-trial inmates.

He said also that the era of inmates missing their day in court due to lack of mobility had been mitigated to its barest minimum.

Earlier, the Chief Convener of the conference, Rev. Fr. Victor Nyoroh said the theme was apt as the whole world was laying emphasis on the humane treatment of people in detention.

“We as a nation cannot be left behind, but must do all that is within our powers to ensure inmates get quick justice,’’ he said.

He stressed that Aug. 10 was set aside for prisoners and their supporters to honour those who died unnatural deaths in prisons.

The date was also set aside for those demanding changes to a criminal justice system that dehumanises and brutalises them, he said.

“This is the reason why stakeholders in the criminal justice system are gathered here to chart a way forward to enhance prisoners justice in spite of challenges facing this sector of the economy,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Prisoners’ Justice Day is a solidarity movement that holds annually on Aug. 10 globally.

The movement began in Canada in 1974 in support of prisoners’ rights and to remember all the people who had died of unnatural deaths while in incarceration. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Alli Hakeem

69% of inmates are awaiting-trial persons – NCoS

By: Rabi'u Sani Ali

On: August 10, 2023

In: Defence/Security

With: 0 Comments

By Ibironke Ariyo A total of 54,171 inmates out of the 79,076 inmates in correctional centres nationwide as at July 31, are awaiting-trial persons. Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa gave the figure on Thursday in Abuja at an international conference on prisoners’ justice. The conferenceContinue Reading

Niger crisis: Tinubu tasks ECOWAS leaders on diplomatic options

By: Rabi'u Sani Ali

On: August 10, 2023

In: General News

With: 0 Comments

By Ismail Abdulaziz President Bola Tinubu has charged member Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS to continue to consider all options in finding a peaceful resolution to the Niger Republic political crises. He stated this at the 2nd Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in the Republic ofContinue Reading

Tinubu’s administration: APC UK strategises for active participation

By: Folashade Adeniran

On: August 10, 2023

In: Politics

With: 0 Comments

By Adeyemi Adeleye The APC UK Chapter says arrangements have been concluded to bring together members and prospective ones to discuss the party’s ideology, plans, and opportunities for active engagement in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The Chairman of the chapter, Mr Tunde Doherty, said in a statement on ThursdayContinue Reading

2023 Flood: 33,983 persons already affected – NEMA

By: Julius Toba-Jegede

On: August 10, 2023

In: Environment

With: 0 Comments

By Ruth Oketunde The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says no fewer than 33,983 persons are already affected by the 2023 flooding in different parts of the country. Hajiya Fatima Kasim, Director, Planning, Research and Forecasting, NEMA, said this at the Emergency Coordination Forum Meeting, on Thursday in Abuja.Continue Reading

SEMA boss assures IDPs in Plateau of government support

By: Julius Toba-Jegede

On: August 10, 2023

In: Community

With: 0 Comments

Gov. Caleb Mutfwang By Peter Amine Mr Sunday Abdu, Executive Secretary, Plateau State Emergency Management (SEMA) has assured the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state that government is working towards addressing their needs. Abdu who gave the assurance on Thursday when he visited the IDPContinue Reading

Deciding African peace, stability through adherence to democratic tenets

By: Ismail Abdulaziz

On: August 10, 2023

In: General News

With: 0 Comments

Deciding African peace, stability through adherence to democratic tenets A news analysis by Emmanuel Oloniruha, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) The 2023 Democratic Index annual report of the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released in February rated Norway, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Taiwan, Australia, and Canada respectively,Continue Reading

OAGH targets over 2,000 children for Back-To-School medical outreach

By: Vivian Ihechu

On: August 10, 2023

In: Health

With: 1 Comment

By Kemi Akintokun In a bid to ensure that children resume back to school healthy, the Orile Agege General Hospital (OAGH) in Lagos, says no fewer than 2,000 children in the community will benefit from its “Back-to- School Health Outreach”. The Medical Director of the Hospital,Continue Reading

Agriculturist wants FG to promote, support greenhouse farming

By: Vivian Ihechu

On: August 10, 2023

In: Agriculture

With: 0 Comments

By Olayinka Olawale Mr Samson Ogbole, Team Lead, Soilless Farm Lab, Ogun State, has urged the Federal Government to provide support for greenhouse farming for all-year-round food production in the country. Ogbole told the News Agency y of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that government need to pay attentionContinue Reading

CCD demands inclusion of PWDs in electoral processes

By: Vivian Ihechu

On: August 10, 2023

In: Health, Politics

With: 0 Comments

By Ekeoma Ogwo and Augusta Uchediunor The Centre for Citizens With Disability (CCD) has demanded inclusion of Persons living with Disabilities (PWDS) in Electoral processes in Lagos and the country. The Executive Director of CCD, Mr David Anyaele, made the call at a two-day programme on Capacity Building OnContinue Reading

Residents lament refuse dumps, potholes on Owerri road Onitsha

By: Julius Toba-Jegede

On: August 10, 2023

In: Environment

With: 0 Comments

By Monday Ajogun Some residents of Onitsha in Anambra especially motorists plying the ever busy commercial Onitsha-Owerri road have lamented the poor state of the road. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday reports that there were several potholes on both lanes as residents converted some sections ofContinue Reading

Follows Us

69% of inmates are awaiting-trial persons – NCoS (Page 2,332)