By: Janet Samuel
The Director General, Legal Aid Council Aliyu Abubakar has ascribed prolonged Awaiting trials of inmates as the major cause of congestion in custodial centers across Nigeria.
Abubakar made the assertion when he visited the Keffi Custodial Center to conduct interview with 78 awaiting trials inmates for representation in various Courts within Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The LAC Boss explained that the move was part of LAC’s objective of serving as a voice to the voiceless in the society, assuring that it will yield positive results.
He noted that the cases loaded for representation ranges from robbery, rape, theft, homicide, among others, stressing that the body will do its best at standing in the gap for them within the ambit of the law.
“This visit is in fulfillment of the Council’s mandate of giving succor to the voiceless
“Some of the inmates here are indigent citizens of the Country who cannot afford the services of a private practitioners, so will try out best to represent at the Court of law
“Awaiting Trials of inmates remains a major reason why various custodial centers across the Country suffers congestion and as a Council we will continue to lend our voices to see that an end come to such menace” he said.
While recounting the previous achievements of the Council, Abubakar noted that LAC will not relent efforts at carrying out her responsibilities, calling for more collaboration to enable the Council attain greater heights.
“Recall that some couple of months ago I was here with some of my management team to find out those victims that were arrested and detained during the nationwide #ENDSARs protest without trails
“It actually gladdens my heart of the positive impact it had on the center because we got reports that good numbers of inmates were served justice and were released, that is exactly what the Council stands for and we want such to repeat itself again” Abubakar expressed.
He appreciated the Management of the Keffi Custodial Center in Nassarawa State for the existing cordial relationship between LAC and the Center, assuring that the Council will always be available whenever the need arises.
Abubakar cited shortage of funds as part of the challenges facing LAC but however assured that the Council will continue to do her best at ensuring that LAC delivers on her mandate.
Responding, the Officer in charge of the Keffi Custodial Center, Kaigama S.R commended LAC over the huge success achieved at decongesting the Center considering the numbers of inmates that were released as a result of their previous visit.
“We have been expecting the Council’s visit as there are already many indigent citizens that needs the services of LAC, I therefore implore you and your team to be coming often as we trust God that the level of crime which is on the increase will soon reduce drastically” he said.
A Deputy Director in Criminal Justice Department of LAC, Mr. Francis Johnson, among other Management team, accompanied the DG LAC, Aliyu Abubakar, on the visit.
