By Media360Impact
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) and the Papal Knights and Medalists of Nigeria to address prison congestion, protect the rights of inmates and promote justice reform across the country’s correctional facilities.
The collaboration was formalised during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by the National President of the Papal Knights and Supreme Knight of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Mr. Steve Adehi, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, the delegation raised concerns over the growing number of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) held in correctional centres for minor offences or because they are unable to meet simple bail conditions.
According to Adehi, many Nigerians remain behind bars despite facing minor charges, while others continue to suffer prolonged or unlawful detention simply because they cannot afford bail.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), described the situation as a serious threat to justice and human dignity.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s constitutional mandate to protect the rights of vulnerable and marginalised persons, noting that documented cases show some Nigerians have remained in detention over debts or offences involving as little as ₦5,000.
“Every intervention that secures the liberty of an individual and restores human dignity is a meaningful contribution to justice and society,” Ojukwu said.
As part of the partnership, both organisations agreed to jointly facilitate the review and possible release of inmates detained for minor, bailable offences who remain in custody solely because they cannot meet bail conditions.
The collaboration will also focus on supporting former inmates through structured reintegration programmes, including the establishment of halfway homes, vocational training opportunities and the provision of essential support packages aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and reducing repeat offences.
In addition, the partners plan to organise specialised human rights training for correctional officers to strengthen respect for inmates’ rights and improve custodial management in line with Nigeria’s Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and international standards, including the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, also known as the Nelson Mandela Rules.
Speaking during the engagement, the Head of the NHRC’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM), Mr. Kabiru Elayo, stressed the importance of sustainable reintegration programmes for inmates after their release.
He warned that many former inmates return to correctional facilities within months because of the absence of structured support systems.
To institutionalise the collaboration, the NHRC will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Knights of St. Mulumba and the Papal Knights and Medalists of Nigeria.
The initiative will also be extended to the Commission’s offices in all 36 states to ensure nationwide implementation.
The partnership is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s correctional system by reducing prison congestion, improving access to justice and promoting the dignity and rights of persons deprived of their liberty.
