Stakeholders Criticize Awaiting Trial Cases in Benue

Stakeholders in Benue State have raised serious concerns regarding the high number of awaiting trial cases in correctional facilities. Dr.

Victoria Egwor Daaor, Executive Director of Elohim Development Foundation, criticized the state correctional centers, describing them as inadequate and likening them to animal stalls. Her remarks were made during a meeting focused on monitoring compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) at the state level.

The meeting included journalists, civil society organizations, and legal stakeholders. Dr.

Daaor emphasized the need for speedy trials to reduce pre-trial detention and decongest correctional facilities. Awashima Adingi, Director of Research and Statistics at the Ministry of Justice, presented findings indicating that there are 62 awaiting trial cases across Makurdi and Gboko correctional centers, with 34 inmates in maximum custody in Makurdi and 28 in Gboko.

Although the ACJL mandates that trials conclude within three months, many inmates have been awaiting trial for over a year.