…..Calls for Justice Reforms During Advocacy Visits
The Kwara State Chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has urged the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim-Sulyman to spearhead critical reforms in the state’s justice system to prevent human rights abuses and ensure the humane treatment of inmates.
This call was made during an advocacy visit by the CDHR on August 20, 2024.
During the visit, Comrade Afolabi Lukman, the Chairman of the CDHR in Kwara State, highlighted the need for comprehensive workshops to educate police officers, particularly those in key roles such as Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Divisional Crime Officers (DCOs), Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs), Investigating Police Officers (IPOs), and Police Prosecutors.
He emphasized that these workshops would be instrumental in curbing illegal and prolonged detentions under the pretext of ongoing investigations, a practice that has been a source of concern for the organization.
Comrade Lukman also praised the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for its efforts in providing timely legal advice, which has been crucial in the administration of justice.
However, he pointed out that significant challenges remain, particularly in the state’s custodial centres.
During a recent visit to the old Okekura and Mandala custodial centres in Ilorin, the CDHR discovered that a staggering 73% and 78% of inmates, respectively, are awaiting trial.
The organization expressed grave concerns over the inhumane conditions in these centres, noting that insufficient medical facilities and overcrowding have led to the deaths of ten inmates in the last three months.
In his speech, Comrade Lukman called for clemency for convicts who have served substantial portions of their sentences, stressing the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration to prevent recidivism.
He highlighted the societal stigma that released inmates face, which often drives them back into criminal activities.
The CDHR has been actively involved in improving the welfare of inmates, distributing food, clothing, and toiletries to approximately 600 inmates across the two centres.
They are also raising funds to pay fines for convicts eligible for release and providing pro bono legal aid to select inmates.
Furthermore, the organization emphasized the urgent need to upgrade the Lafiaji Farm centre to a full custodial centre and to establish new custodial centres in the Baruten/Kaiama area and Offa. These measures, according to Comrade Lukman, would alleviate the burden on existing facilities and expedite the judicial process.
Additionally, the completion of link bridges to the Mandala custodial centre was identified as a priority to ensure the smooth transportation of inmates, especially during the rainy season.
Comrade Lukman concluded by calling on all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring the swift and fair dispensation of justice in Kwara State, emphasizing that such efforts are crucial for maintaining public trust in the justice system.
In the same vein, Kwara CDHR called on the state’s Commissioner of Police Olaiya Victor Mobolaji to prioritize human rights training and improve the investigative capacities of law enforcement officers to prevent illegal detentions and expedite justice for detainees.
This was highlighted during an advocacy visit by the CDHR, led by its state chairman, Comrade Afolabi Lukman.
In his address, Comrade Lukman expressed concern over the frequent human rights violations that occur under the pretext of ongoing investigations, particularly prolonged and illegal detentions. He urged the Commissioner to organize workshops aimed at enhancing the skills of officers in key positions, such as Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Divisional Crime Officers (DCOs), Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs), Investigating Police Officers (IPOs), and Police Prosecutors.
The CDHR leader also highlighted the need for swifter legal proceedings, especially in cases involving capital offences, recommending that such cases be escalated to the high court without unnecessary delays.
Comrade Lukman emphasized the importance of a more responsive legal department within the police force to ensure timely justice.
During the visit, the CDHR shared alarming findings from their recent inspections of the old Okekura and Mandala custodial centres in Ilorin. According to the group, 73% and 78% of inmates in these centres are currently awaiting trial, often under harsh and overcrowded conditions. The overcrowding has exacerbated health issues, resulting in ten deaths in the past three months alone—three in the Ilorin centre and seven in the Mandala facility.
In light of these concerns, Comrade Lukman appealed for the Commissioner’s support in a broader initiative to secure clemency for convicts who have served substantial portions of their sentences. He stressed the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration programs to reduce the high recidivism rate among released inmates, who often face societal stigma that drives them back into criminal activities.
The CDHR has been actively involved in improving the welfare of inmates, distributing essential items such as food, clothing, and toiletries to approximately 600 inmates across the two centres.
The organization is also raising funds to pay fines for convicts eligible for release and providing pro bono legal aid to certain inmates.
Furthermore, the CDHR called for urgent infrastructural upgrades to the Lafiaji Farm centre, advocating for its transformation into a full-fledged custodial centre. The group also recommended the establishment of new custodial centres in the Baruten/Kaiama area and Offa, which would alleviate the burden on the existing facilities in Ilorin and expedite the legal process in Kwara North court divisions.
In his concluding remarks, Comrade Lukman emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to ensure the swift and fair dispensation of justice in Kwara State. The CDHR remains committed to advocating for human rights and the rule of law, calling on the police to play a crucial role in this endeavor.
