Legal Aid Council To Represent 42 Kuje Correctional Centre Inmates

The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) has announced plans to represent 42 inmates from the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. This initiative is part of broader efforts to decongest custodial centres across the country and provide legal assistance to marginalized citizens, particularly those awaiting trial.

In a statement, LACON’s Assistant Director of Press, Amaka Agbaih, revealed that the inmates have been documented and assigned to Council lawyers for representation in courts within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

LACON Director-in-Charge of the FCT Office, Mr. Okwuegbu Egenti, led a team of lawyers and government officials to the correctional centre. During their visit, they interviewed 42 inmates charged with offences primarily related to drug possession, theft, murder, and conspiracy.

“About 30 of the inmates interviewed are youths involved in various kinds of drug-related activities, most of whom have spent no less than six months at the Kuje Custodial Centre,” the statement noted.

LACON commended the Minister of Interior for his efforts and urged the APC-led administration to “in the spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda, provide hope to Nigerian youths” by creating industries that offer employment opportunities for reintegrated inmates.

Additionally, LACON called on the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to consider establishing juvenile centres to separate minors from adult inmates.

The Council also highlighted the need for increased manpower and proper funding, stating that “two lawyers per state is inadequate considering the volume of work.”

This move by LACON underscores the urgent need for reforms in the Nigerian correctional system to ensure fair legal representation and better rehabilitation for inmates.