By Mercy Don Igwe 

In a recent event held in Abuja, the audience was left in awe as a young man shared his testimony, revealing the shocking truth of his imprisonment. After a staggering 17 years of awaiting trial, he was finally released with the assistance and intervention of a non-governmental organization (NGO) that navigated his case through the judicial system. This poignant account sheds light on a prevalent issue plaguing Nigeria’s legal system, where numerous individuals languish in prison for extended periods without their day in court. The story of this young man is not an isolated incident; it represents the harsh reality faced by many others trapped in a web of delayed justice.

The Harsh Reality:

As of December 2022, the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kaduna held 1,714 inmates, a significant number of whom were awaiting trial. Shockingly, 75% of these inmates, totalling 1,293 individuals, had been confined for an agonizing two to seven years without a resolution to their cases. The situation was no different at the Lafia Custodial Centre, which had a capacity of 412 inmates but held 716 individuals in April 2023. Among them, 68.7% (492 inmates) had been awaiting trial for a disheartening 24 to 36 months or five to seven months, depending on the court. Even at the Jos Custodial Centre in Plateau State, overcrowding was a pressing issue. Among the 993 inmates, a staggering 668 individuals had been waiting for their trials to commence for three to 12 months. These statistics paint a grim picture, underscoring the profound impact of prolonged trial durations on the lives of the incarcerated and their families.

In Nigeria, the wheels of justice have often seemed distant and impersonal, leaving individuals involved in legal cases feeling like insignificant entities in a bureaucratic maze. But let us not forget that behind every case file lies a human story—a story that can be profoundly impacted by the decisions made by case administrators and managers. The pursuit of justice demands a system that is fair, transparent, and efficient. However, Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including corruption, inefficiencies, and limited resources, which hinder the achievement of these ideals.

Recognizing the Human Element:

Amidst these challenges, there are dedicated professionals within Nigeria’s legal system who tirelessly work to uphold justice. The crucial role of case administrators and managers cannot be overstated. They oversee the progress of cases, ensuring timely and fair processing, and facilitating effective communication among all parties involved. In their hands lies the responsibility of treating individuals with dignity and respect throughout the legal process.

In partnership with the US Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is at the forefront of pioneering a transformative initiative. The Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) project aims to address existing gaps in the structures and systems for case management within Nigerian courts. The project collaborates with stakeholders from the judiciary, ministries of justice, the police force, prisons/correctional institutions, and lawyers in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States.

To combat these challenges,  PPDC’s Court Administration and Case Management project has been actively collaborating with various courts since February 2023. Their primary focus has been on identifying innovative methods to expedite trial hearings and streamline the justice process. One notable initiative is the implementation of a virtual court system that incorporates speech-to-text capabilities, thereby enhancing efficiency and accessibility. By leveraging technology, the project aims to reduce the backlog of cases and alleviate the burden on custodial centres.

In Nigeria, the journey toward justice has often felt distant and impersonal. However, through initiatives like the Court Administration and Case Management project, spearheaded by PPDC with support from the US Department of State, the landscape is gradually transforming. By recognizing the human face behind every case file, implementing efficient systems, promoting communication, and embracing cultural sensitivity, Nigeria’s legal system can better serve its citizens.