The federal government has intensified efforts to accelerate judicial processes across the country, targeting a reduction in the number of inmates awaiting trial.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, disclosed this on Wednesday during an inspection visit to the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje, Abuja.
He said the government, in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), is working to address delays in the justice system that leave thousands of suspects languishing in detention without trial.
“We are working together, looking at inmates who have spent more time awaiting trial than they would have if they had already been convicted.
“In this particular facility, over 200 inmates are convicted while about 804 are still awaiting trial. We have to design an innovative methodology to tackle this”, Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister hinted that the public should expect a “drastic reduction” in the number of inmates in the coming weeks and months as the government rolls out new measures to speed up justice delivery.
“I want to assure you that we are working very closely with the AGF on ways to decongest our correctional centres,” he added.
Tunji-Ojo acknowledged that the challenge extends beyond the Kuje facility, noting that similar issues persist across the country’s 240 correctional centres.
He announced plans for the ministry to embark on inspection visits to other facilities outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to assess conditions and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.
“We will be able to see things for ourselves so that both the ministry, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other stakeholders will know the right way to intervene in the situation of the correctional service,” he said.
The minister also commended the dedication of correctional service personnel for their efforts in maintaining order and ensuring inmates’ welfare, despite the difficult circumstances.
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Afam Osigwe, NBA President, (SAN), who accompanied the minister, said the association had requested data on inmates awaiting trial to determine their legal status and possible next steps for their cases.
“This will help the NBA establish new units and enable lawyers to intervene to secure the release of those who have stayed longer in custody than they would have if convicted,” Osigwe explained.
He said the association was ready to work with the Ministry of Interior and other justice sector stakeholders to fast-track case reviews, facilitate bail processes, and reduce overcrowding in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
