Almost 70% inmates of Correctional Center across the country are awaiting trials thereby putting pressure on the facilities despite economic, security, health and human rights implications, a legal luminary, Dr. John Omughele, has said.
Addressing the launching of three books published by Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) in conjunction with Public Private Development Center (PPDC) in an Access to Justice Town Hall Meeting in Kaduna, the legal expert said efforts needed to be made to find alternative ways of resolving disputes before going to the courts, adding that the court should be the last resort after every other avenues have been fully exploited.
The three books are Kaduna state Administration of Criminal Justice Rules; Criminal Justice Service Charter and Standard Operating Procedure on Cooperation and Coordination between the Nigeria Police Force, Department of Public Prosecutions Ministry of Justice Kaduna State, and the Nigerian Correctional Service for the Diligent and Expeditious Investigation/ Prosecution of Cases in Kaduna State to Improve Access to Justice in the State.
Speaking in his keynote address, he said, “We’ve been concerned about improvements in justice delivery system especially the criminal side. There are usually factors like detention of persons in correctional centers and other places such as EFCC, ICPC and police detentions. How quickly can the courts resolve cases even where detention is necessary. Also, is there a way that we can avoid detention considering the economic, security, health and human rights implications with almost 70% inmates, awaiting trials. Each time, we have 70% of the inmates awaiting trial.”
