The Director of Prisons at the Legal Aid Council, Olise Chukwuma, has reaffirmed the council’s commitment to offering legal representation to inmates who lack adequate legal support, aiming to ensure justice is upheld in the prison system.
Chukwuma made this declaration in Abuja during the second public hearing held by the Independent Investigative Panel, which is focused on investigating alleged corruption and other legal violations within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
He emphasized that the Legal Aid Council collaborates with key organizations such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and non-governmental organizations like the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) to fulfill its mission of providing access to justice for all.
Chukwuma also highlighted the potential impact of the upcoming Correctional Information Management System, which he believes will significantly improve the council’s ability to track and identify inmates who need legal aid. This system is expected to streamline the process of providing timely and effective legal support to those incarcerated.
In addition, the director pointed out that these efforts are vital not only for ensuring access to justice but also for addressing critical issues like prison overcrowding, corruption within the correctional system, and safeguarding the rights of inmates. He expressed concern over the issue of underage detainees and wrongful imprisonment, stressing that the police must take responsibility for errors that result in the unlawful incarceration of innocent people.
Chukwuma called on stakeholders to lend their support and announced that the Legal Aid Council would actively participate in the panel discussions aimed at improving justice access for inmates.
UNICEF and NBA Leaders Advocate for Transparency and Reforms in the Correctional System
During the hearing, Mr. Ibrahim Sesay, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF Nigeria, praised the Minister of Interior for demonstrating accountability in efforts to reform the correctional service. Sesay outlined five key elements necessary for progress, including transparency, justice, community problem-solving, accountability, and the protection of whistleblowers. He stressed the importance of institutional reforms to eliminate corruption and uphold the rule of law, even for those accused of crimes.
Sesay also underscored the need to ensure that the rights of all individuals, including those accused of wrongdoing, are respected throughout the judicial process. UNICEF, he added, is eager to see a fair, transparent, and accountable investigation into the NCoS’s alleged misconduct.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), also commended the Ministry of Interior for its transparency in addressing corruption and human rights violations within the NCoS. Osigwe emphasized the importance of prioritizing rehabilitation and respect for human rights in the correctional system. He noted that incarcerated individuals are among the most vulnerable members of society and deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion.
“The correctional system is not merely about confinement but about rehabilitation and preparing individuals for reintegration into society,” Osigwe stated. “It is crucial that we show compassion for those incarcerated and ensure they are treated with the highest level of dignity.”
Osigwe lauded the Ministry of Interior for taking swift action in response to the allegations, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. He further expressed the NBA’s support for the investigation and pledged to cooperate fully with the panel to ensure justice is served.
As the public hearings continue, both the NBA and UNICEF remain hopeful that the process will reveal the truth and lead to meaningful reforms within the Nigerian correctional system, ultimately ensuring justice for all inmates.
Source: NAN