HURPA Calls for Urgent Prison Reforms, Condemns Delays in Awaiting Trial Cases

HURPA Calls for Urgent Prison Reforms, Condemns Delays in Awaiting Trial Cases

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  • July 4, 2026
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The Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) has called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria's correctional system, expressing deep concern over the increasing number of inmates awaiting trial, poor medical care in custodial centres, jurisdictional delays, and stringent bail conditions that continue to keep many suspects behind bars.

The association described the prolonged detention of suspects without trial as a serious violation of fundamental human rights, stressing that many inmates remain in correctional facilities for years despite not being convicted by any court of law.

According to HURPA, the continued delay in the administration of justice has contributed significantly to prison congestion across the country, with many detainees suffering physical, emotional, and psychological hardship while awaiting the determination of their cases.

The group also decried the poor medical conditions in many custodial centres, noting that inmates often lack access to adequate healthcare, essential medications, and emergency medical attention. It warned that such conditions expose inmates to preventable illnesses and unnecessary loss of lives.

HURPA further raised concerns over cases being filed in courts lacking proper jurisdiction, a development it said often results in prolonged adjournments and unnecessary delays before matters are transferred to competent courts.

The association equally criticized what it described as "impossible bail conditions" imposed on many defendants, arguing that excessive financial requirements and unrealistic surety conditions effectively deny indigent suspects their constitutional right to liberty while awaiting trial.

"Holding individuals in custody simply because they cannot satisfy excessive bail conditions defeats the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty," the association stated.

HURPA called on the judiciary, the Nigerian Correctional Service, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to work together to accelerate the dispensation of justice, regularly review the cases of awaiting-trial inmates, and ensure that courts grant reasonable bail conditions in deserving cases.

The association also advocated periodic prison audits, improved healthcare services within correctional facilities, legal assistance for indigent inmates, and greater enforcement of the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to reduce unnecessary detention.

The call comes amid growing national concern over prison congestion in Nigeria. Recent official data indicate that a significant proportion of inmates in Nigerian correctional centres are awaiting trial, with experts attributing the situation to delays in investigations, frequent court adjournments, loss of case files, and limited access to legal representation.

HURPA urged the Federal Government to prioritize justice sector reforms that uphold human dignity, protect constitutional rights, and ensure that correctional facilities serve as centres of rehabilitation rather than prolonged detention for persons yet to be convicted by the courts.