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From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Centre (NHRC), and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ebonyi State have raised the alarm over prison congestion in the state.
The organisations said as of November 29, the Abakaliki Correctional Custodial Centre had 1,051 inmates with 892 of them awaiting trial, while only 159 were convicted.
At a press conference in Abakaliki, the state capital, to commemorate 2025 International Human Rights Day, the groups appealed to the state judiciary to implement the already lawful practice of the Chief Magistrates’ visits to cells and detention centres, with the power to grant bail, on the spot, to deserving inmates.
They also advocated the use of modern technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Text-to-Speech (TTS) tools and online court hearings, to enhance the justice delivery system.
Coordinator of the NHRC in the state, Christopher Okorie, explained that the adoption of modern technology and AI tools would significantly speed up court processes, documentation, and recordings.
He said every voice matters, and no one should be left behind in the promotion of human rights.
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“Our celebration, today, is a reminder that human rights flourish where communities embrace harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Okorie also called for the establishment of shelters for victims of human rights abuses in Ebonyi and across other states of the federation. He lamented the absence of such facilities in the state, noting that shelters would support and protect victims, while their cases are being investigated.
Also speaking, Executive Director of HRCRC in the state, George Etamesor, expressed concern about the high number of awaiting-trial inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and called for urgent decongestion of the facilities.
“Sadly, most of the inmates awaiting trial are held for minor offences and enduring inhumane conditions, including inadequate food and poor healthcare, among others.
“This not only violates the right to dignity and fair trial but, also, fuels cycles of poverty and re-offending.
“On this day, dedicated to everyday essentials, we emphasise that justice delayed is justice denied. We propose accelerated judicial processes, expanded use of non-custodial sentences such as community service, and greater investment in rehabilitation programmes.
“The judiciary can greatly enhance justice delivery through the use of modern technology and AI,” he stated.
