By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to review cases where individuals have been
held in pre-trial detention for an extended period and take necessary steps to expedite their trials.

The House also urged the Judiciary to adopt innovative case management strategies to ensure timely hearings,
with special consideration for individuals who have endured an undue amount of time in pre-trial detention.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep Ahmed Sani Muhammad during plenary in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Muhammad noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the International Human Rights Standard underscore the fundamental right to a fair and speedy trial.

He observed that numerous individuals are languishing in prolonged pre-trial detention, often exceeding
legal limits by years, thereby violating their rights and contributing to prison overcrowding.

He further said that a significant number of these individuals are detained for minor offences requiring
minimal or no extensive investigation.

He expressed concerns that the delay in adjudicating legal matters results in prison congestion, violates the rights of
the accused, and erodes public confidence 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.

The House however in its resolutions mandated the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Correctional Services to investigate the causes of pretrial delays, propose necessary reform and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.