A new report from the Nigerian Correctional Service has revealed that more than 66 percent of inmates in the country’s correctional centres are still awaiting trial, raising fresh concerns over prolonged detention and delayed justice.
As of July 14, 2025, the total number of inmates across the country stood at 81,950, but only 28,155 have been convicted. The remaining 53,795 — comprising 52,378 males and 1,417 females — are yet to face trial.
The report has sparked public outrage, with critics accusing the criminal justice system of failing many Nigerians who have been held behind bars for years without court proceedings.
One such case is that of Gospel Nwibari, who was recently freed after spending 18 years in prison without trial. Arrested at the age of 14, Nwibari’s release came through the intervention of a non-governmental organisation, Haven360 Foundation.
His brother, Paul Kinani, who had presumed him dead, described the release as a miracle.
In another troubling report, Momoh Abubakar Otuhuo, a former school proprietor and community leader, has reportedly been detained without trial since 2022. Sources claim his arrest followed a political dispute with a former local government chairman.
He and three others, including Idris Abdul Malik, are said to be in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) with no access to legal proceedings or family visits.
Similarly, Ntari Danladi, a former youth leader, has been held in detention for four years without trial.
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the DSS, the Nigerian Army, and the Office of the Attorney General over his case.
A hearing initially scheduled for July 16 was postponed to July 31 following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Human rights groups have called for urgent reforms in the Nigerian justice system, noting that thousands of lives are being wasted due to delayed or absent trials.
“This level of pre-trial detention is a violation of human rights,” one rights advocate told PLATFORM TIMES. “Many of these people may be innocent but are already suffering the punishment of guilt.”
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
