The National Human Rights Commission has raised concerns over the continued detention of more than 500 inmates in correctional facilities across Zamfara State without trial, warning that the situation poses a serious threat to justice and human rights.
The commission called on judicial authorities to urgently fast-track legal processes to address the growing number of awaiting-trial inmates, many of whom have spent prolonged periods in custody without court hearings.
The Zamfara State Coordinator of the commission, Abdullahi Abubakar, made this known during the launch of the 2026 implementation plan for the National Action Plan on Human Rights.
Abubakar stressed that the continued detention of suspects without trial contravenes provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens, including the right to fair hearing within a reasonable time.
He also underscored the need for intensified public enlightenment campaigns to educate citizens on their legal rights and responsibilities.
The NHRC further linked the deteriorating human rights situation in the state to persistent banditry attacks, noting that the security crisis has led to increased cases of abuse, including rape and other forms of gender-based violence.
Meanwhile, a recently released inmate described conditions in some of the custodial centres as deplorable, alleging that detainees are subjected to poor feeding, inadequate medical care, and unhygienic living environments.
The ex-inmate also cited a shortage of basic necessities such as clothing, though he noted that conditions in the Gusau custodial facility were relatively better, particularly in terms of water supply.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Nigerian Correctional Service in Zamfara were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The development has once again spotlighted concerns over delays in Nigeria’s criminal justice system and the overcrowding of correctional centres driven by the high number of awaiting-trial inmates.
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