House of Representatives calls for quicker trials for those in prolonged detention
On Thursday, October 3, the House of Representatives urged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to review cases of individuals who have been held in pre-trial detention for a long time and to take steps to speed up their trials.
The House also called on the Judiciary to implement new case management strategies to ensure timely hearings, especially for those who have spent too long in pre-trial detention. This decision came after a motion was presented by Rep. Ahmed Sani Muhammad during a plenary session in Abuja.
In his motion, Muhammad highlighted that the Constitution of Nigeria and international human rights standards emphasize the right to a fair and speedy trial. He pointed out that many individuals have been stuck in prolonged pre-trial detention, often for years beyond legal limits, which violates their rights and contributes to overcrowding in prisons.
He noted that a large number of these detainees are being held for minor offenses that do not require extensive investigations. Muhammad expressed concern that delays in resolving legal matters lead to crowded prisons, violate the rights of the accused, and undermine public confidence in the judicial system.
“Alarmed that trial delays dissuade witness appearances and compromise the integrity of the judicial process, we recognize the need to address this systemic injustice and uphold the fundamental right to a fair trial for everyone,” he stated.
As part of its resolutions, the House mandated the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Correctional Services to investigate the causes of these pre-trial delays, suggest necessary reforms, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
