Panel Report Reveals Over 90 Inmates in Benue Detained Beyond Legal Timeframe

A multi-stakeholder monitoring group has identified significant gaps in the criminal justice system in Benue State after discovering over 90 inmates who have been detained for years without trial, allegedly breaching the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).

These findings were presented during a validation meeting held by the CLEEN Foundation, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, which included participation from security agencies, legal professionals, and civil society representatives.

Dr. Victoria Daaor, the Chairman of the Independent ACJL Monitoring Committee, reported that their visits to correctional facilities in Makurdi and Gboko revealed systemic failures, with inmates lacking adequate access to justice, legal representation, and basic welfare services.

In Gboko alone, 57 inmates were profiled, shedding light on issues such as insufficient legal aid, poor infrastructure, and substandard living conditions within the facilities.

Dr. Daaor also emphasized that many inmates are in need of psychiatric and psychosocial support, highlighting a deeper neglect within the correctional system.

Barrister Awashima Addingi, the Vice Chairman of the committee, noted that at least 34 inmates in Makurdi have reportedly languished in detention for as long as three years without trial. This far exceeds the ACJL requirement that mandates trials commence and conclude within a three-month period.

Furthermore, it was reported that some detainees are held for minor offenses like theft for durations longer than those stipulated by law, while others remain incarcerated despite being granted bail.

Victor Eboh from Lawyers Alert remarked that previous actions taken by the committee at the state level have resulted in the release of inmates arrested for minor offenses, underlining the importance of ongoing oversight to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities.

In response to these revelations, Stephen Nwanchor, the Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Benue State, stated that the service is committed to facilitating access to justice by providing pro bono legal representation for inmates lacking legal counsel, including through the Legal Aid system.