Urgent Call for Justice Reform in Nigeria's Prisons

The Tunji Braithwait Foundation has expressed grave concerns regarding the prolonged detention of awaiting-trial inmates in Nigeria, calling for urgent reforms in the country’s criminal justice system. Executive Director Olaoluwa Braithwait stated that thousands of Nigerians, presumed innocent, remain in custody for years without trial, which violates their constitutional rights.

During a march held in Lagos to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the late legal icon Dr. Tunji Braithwait, the foundation highlighted that approximately 70 percent of inmates in Nigerian correctional centers are awaiting trial.

Many have spent five to ten years in custody without their cases being concluded. The foundation organized a silent march at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre to symbolize the plight of these inmates and presented a petition to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, urging measures to strengthen access to justice and accelerate criminal justice reform.

Braithwait emphasized the need for media attention to hold public institutions accountable and advocate for the rights of awaiting-trial inmates.