The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for tough measures to prevent "avoidable deaths" in detention facilities across the country. The association stated that no government agency operative should subject Nigerians to torture. This demand comes after 37 miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The NBA emphasized the need for detention facilities to operate in accordance with Nigerian law and internationally recognized human rights standards.
The Chairperson of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Dr. Uju Agomoh, made the call at a press briefing in Abuja. The briefing was held to herald the forthcoming annual conference of the NBA-SPIDEL, themed "In Public Interest: Advancing Justice, Democracy and Development". The conference aims to examine pressing issues affecting justice, democracy, and development in Nigeria. Dr. Agomoh stressed the importance of ensuring that detention facilities operate in accordance with the law.
The NBA-SPIDEL conference will feature international voices from the judiciary, legal profession, government, civil society, academia, development institutions, security, and justice sectors. The event is scheduled to hold in Abia next month. Dr. Agomoh revealed that the conference will explore practical strategies for strengthening legal aid, promoting alternative and non-custodial measures, and improving detention oversight. The goal is to ensure that the justice system remains responsive to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.
Dr. Agomoh emphasized that the conference will address the urgent need to prevent avoidable deaths and abuses in places of detention. The NBA-SPIDEL will continue to draw attention to this issue and ensure that detention facilities operate in accordance with Nigerian law and internationally recognized human rights standards. The association seeks to promote a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The conference will also examine the role of lawyers in strengthening democratic institutions and defending constitutional governance. Participants will discuss corruption and illicit financial flows, including the financing of terrorism. The goal is to consider how legal and institutional mechanisms can be strengthened to protect public resources and national security without compromising human rights and due process.
Dr. Agomoh observed that meaningful reform cannot be achieved by lawyers alone. She sought the partnership of judges, government institutions, justice-sector agencies, civil society organizations, academia, development partners, the media, and citizens. The NBA-SPIDEL chairperson emphasized that economic growth that leaves significant sections of society behind cannot constitute sustainable development.
The NBA's call for tough measures against abuse in custody is a timely reminder of the need for reform in Nigeria's detention facilities. The association's efforts to promote human rights and the rule of law are crucial in ensuring that the justice system serves the needs of all Nigerians. The forthcoming conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to the challenges facing the country's justice system.
Key points
- No government agency operative should subject Nigerians to torture.
- The NBA-SPIDEL conference will explore practical strategies for strengthening legal aid and promoting alternative and non-custodial measures.
- The association seeks to promote a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.
