The Committee Led Effort to Protect Inmates’ Rights: Fines Paid, Compensations Waived, and Hundreds of Cases Examined to Decongest FCT Correctional Centres
Under the leadership of Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, Life Bencher, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is committed to safeguarding the rights and privileges of Nigerians, including inmates, ensuring that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) is fully implemented within the bounds of law and justice.
Since its inauguration just two months ago, the NBA’s Citizens’ Liberties Committee has consistently served as a vigilant advocate for Nigerians’ rights to liberty. On Monday, November 4, 2024, the Committee, led by its Chairman, Mr. Nuhu J. Egya, Esq., joined the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Honourable Justice Husseini Yusuf-Baba, in a significant effort to decongest the Correctional Centres.
NBA 3rd Vice President Visits Lagos Medium Correctional
This event also included Judges of the FCT High Court, Deputy Chief Registrars (DCRs), Magistrates, Registrars, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other justice sector stakeholders.
Key Highlights of the Correctional Centre Visit
- Payment of Fines and Waiver of Compensations: During the visit, CSOs, individual donors, and other observers contributed funds to pay fines on behalf of indigent inmates. Additionally, compensations were waived in cases where the victims, by law, are expected to seek redress through civil action, thus facilitating the release of inmates who had been unable to afford these fines.
- Attention to Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATMs): The Chief Judge personally reviewed over 400 cases of awaiting trial inmates, ensuring that no individual was being unjustly detained or overlooked. This careful examination underscores the judiciary’s dedication to preventing unnecessary delays and upholding the rights of those in the justice system.
This visit demonstrates the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to its duties and responsibilities in overseeing the administration of criminal justice. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration across justice sector stakeholders to uphold the rights of all individuals and work towards a more equitable justice system.
About the NBA Citizens’ Liberties Committee
The NBA Citizens’ Liberties Committee is a specialized body dedicated to safeguarding the rights and liberties of individuals, particularly those in detention facilities. The Committee will work closely with NBA branch Human Rights Committees, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to ensure the protection of human rights and uphold the rule of law across Nigeria.
Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Citizens’ Liberties Committee:
- Oversee inspections of police stations and detention centers to identify potential human rights violations, unlawful detentions, and statutory breaches by law enforcement officers, in collaboration with NBA branch Human Rights Committees.
- Collaborate with NBA branches to receive and investigate complaints regarding human rights violations in detention centers and police stations, aiming to hold authorities accountable and ensure the protection of civil liberties.
- Work with Chief Judges, Magistrates, and NBA branch Human Rights Committees to ensure compliance by law enforcement agencies with legal responsibilities related to detention facility inspections.
- Provide recommendations for policy reforms and legislative amendments to strengthen individual liberty protections based on findings from inspections and investigations.
- Partner with NBA branches to educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities, empowering them to monitor and report human rights violations, fostering a culture of accountability.
- Engage with local and international human rights organizations to promote shared goals of justice, liberty, and respect for human dignity across Nigeria, in collaboration with NBA Human Rights Committees.
- Review proposed legislation for its impact on individual liberties.
- Examine actions by government and law enforcement agencies for adherence to constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.
- Investigate allegations of unlawful detentions, discrimination, and other rights violations, in close coordination with NBA branches and their Human Rights Committees.
The NBA believes the establishment of this Committee will significantly bolster efforts to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens, especially the vulnerable and marginalized.
Committee Members:
- Nuhu Egya (Chairman)
- Malachy Ugwumadu (Alternate Chair)
- Stanley Damabide
- Inibehe Effiong (Secretary)
- Chioma Iwueze
- Oladele Oladejo
- Deji Adeyanju
- Hadiza Nasir Ahmad
- Maxwell Opara
- Daniel Kip
- Ahmad Khalil
- Kehinde Oyewale
- Matthew Osume
- Shehu Idris Sani
- Marvin Ibem
- Festus Ogun
- Ejiofor Cynthia Lawrence
- Mbang Confidence
- Patience-Godwill Patience Deipreye
- Hafsat Adam
- Nkemjika Edeh
- Samson Ezekiel
- T.S. Terver-Ubwa
- Uthman Isa Tochukwu
- Ikechukwu Chukwudebelu
All members and branches are encouraged to actively support this crucial initiative as we work together to uphold justice and liberty for all.
