Church decries detention without trial, urges FG to overhaul policing, judiciary

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has raised the alarm over the mass detention of suspects without trial in Nigerian prisons, urging the Federal Government to urgently address systemic failures in policing and the judiciary.

National Chairman of RCCG’s Prison and Hospital Ministry, Ariyo Popoola, who spoke during the ministry’s yearly conference held, at the weekend, lamented the prolonged incarceration of inmates without proper charges or trial, saying that about 75 per cent of the prisoners are innocent.

He condemned what he described as a “broken system” in which suspects are arrested without proper investigations, and some of them languish in custody due to inefficient police investigations and judicial delays.

Popoola, while emphasising that justice delayed is justice denied, called for urgent reforms to end the current culture of impunity. He further said that the corrupt practice of allegedly demanding bribes during bail procedures adds to the plight of detainees and their families, urging the police and judiciary to demonstrate integrity and uphold the rule of law to restore public confidence.

The cleric also urged the government to invest in upgrading courts’ infrastructure, as well as improve the welfare of inmates to meet basic human rights standards, among others.

The spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya, acknowledged the challenges faced in decongesting prisons and improving inmates’ welfare.

“We recognise that prolonged detention without trial is a significant problem. That is why we continue to collaborate with judicial authorities and human rights groups to expedite the release of eligible inmates and reduce overcrowding.”

He disclosed that in recent months, the state command had facilitated the release of over 100 inmates through bail and court rulings, adding that even though they are committed to ensuring that detention is lawful and humane, their efforts are often hindered by systemic bottlenecks beyond their control.

The command’s spokespersons also highlighted the psychological impact of prolonged detention on inmates, stating that no matter how good the food or medical care, the mental strain of indefinite custody is damaging and undermines rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, one beneficiary of RCCG’s Prison Ministry, Femi Emmanuel, shared his emotional testimony of how free legal support secured his release after nearly five years in custody.

He described the experience as life-changing and commended the ministry for fighting injustice and its intervention that finally brought freedom after years of uncertainty.