Group Criticizes Rising Pre-Trial Detainee Numbers in Nigerian Prisons, Highlights Justice System Delays

The Public Private Development Centre (PPDC), a public interest organization, has pointed to systemic delays and inefficiencies in Nigeria’s justice system, blaming them on a lack of capacity, inadequate digital tools, and insufficient funding and budget allocations by the government.

PPDC also highlighted poor evidence-handling practices and a lack of proper storage facilities as major issues that undermine investigations, potentially leading to wrongful acquittals. Lucy James Abagi, the CEO of PPDC, made these statements during the Access to Justice forum in Abuja on Tuesday.

Abagi criticized the Nigerian government for failing to adequately fund the justice system, contributing to a significant rise in the number of pretrial detainees, which now stands at 70,000 across the country’s custodial centers.

He attributed the administrative challenges in the courts to inefficiencies, poor communication, lack of necessary equipment, and the absence of trained staff. PPDC also disclosed that its legal team is providing support to over 2,400 detainees across various correctional facilities.

“PPDC is committed to advancing the digitization of Nigeria’s court system, aiming to reduce the number of pretrial detainees by at least 50% over the next decade,” Abagi said. With support from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the PPDC has implemented pilot projects for court digitization, virtual hearings, e-filing systems, and evidence management in three states—Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Plateau—affecting a total of 24 courts.

In the next phase, additional states, including Ebonyi, FCT, and Oyo, will benefit, with three courts digitized in each. However, the total number of courts digitized will remain a small fraction of the over 1,000 courts across the country.

Also speaking at the forum, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, represented by the Chief Judge of Plateau, Justice David G. Mann, emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges in the justice system.

Keynote speaker Chris Umar (SAN) expressed concern about persistent delays in court cases, overcrowding, and limited access to legal representation, all of which continue to undermine public confidence in the judicial system.

Umar noted that access to justice in Nigeria is uneven, with rural and marginalized communities facing substantial barriers. He added that poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness of legal rights exacerbate these issues, particularly for women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities, making inclusive reforms essential.

He also highlighted the imbalance in the distribution of legal services across the country, with most legal infrastructure concentrated in urban areas, leaving millions of Nigerians in rural areas without adequate access to justice, further entrenching inequality and disenfranchisement.