The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to review cases involving individuals held in pre-trial detention for extended periods and to take necessary steps to expedite their trials.
Additionally, the House called on the Judiciary to implement innovative case management strategies to ensure timely hearings, especially for individuals who have experienced excessive delays in pre-trial detention.
This resolution followed a motion moved by Rep. Ahmed Sani Muhammad during plenary in Abuja.
In presenting the motion, Muhammad highlighted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), along with International Human Rights Standards, emphasizes the fundamental right to a fair and speedy trial.
He pointed out that many individuals are suffering from prolonged pre-trial detention, often exceeding legal limits by years, violating their rights and contributing to prison overcrowding. Muhammad also noted that a significant number of these individuals are detained for minor offenses requiring minimal or no extensive investigation.
He expressed concern that delays in adjudicating legal matters lead to prison congestion, violate the rights of the accused, and erode public confidence in the judicial system.
“Alarmed that trial delays dissuade witness appearances and compromise the integrity of the judicial process. Cognizant of the need to address this systemic injustice and uphold the fundamental right to a fair trial for all,” he stated.
The House mandated the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Correctional Services to investigate the causes of pre-trial delays, propose necessary reforms, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action