- This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep Ahmed Sani Muhammad during plenary in Abuja.
The House of Representatives has called on Fagbemi Lateef, attorney general of the federation and minister of justice to review and expedite trials for individuals held in pre-trial detention for extended periods.
This request also extends to the Judiciary, urging them to adopt innovative strategies for timely hearings, prioritizing those who have endured prolonged detention.
The motion, moved by Rep Ahmed Sani Muhammad in Abuja, emphasized the constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and International Human Rights Standards.
According to Muhammad, many individuals languish in pre-trial detention, exceeding legal limits, violating their rights, and contributing to prison overcrowding.
He noted that minor offenses often require minimal investigation, yet result in prolonged detention.
Muhammad expressed concerns that delays in adjudication lead to prison congestion, violate accused persons’ rights, and erode public trust 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 said.
To address this, the House mandated the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Correctional Services to investigate pretrial delays, propose reforms, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.