The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), alongside other stakeholders, have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Nigeria’s correctional facilities adhere to United Nations minimum standards for detainee treatment.
To mark Nelson Mandela Day, delegations from the NHRC, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the UNODC visited Adamawa State to audit its correctional services. The inspection team, led by NHRC Director Mr. Richmond Iheme, visited the Medium Security Custodial Centre Jimeta and the Medium Security Custodial Centre Yola New.
The Jimeta facility, designed to hold 300 inmates, currently houses 557, with 453 awaiting trial, highlighting significant overcrowding. In contrast, the Yola New facility, with a capacity for 800 inmates, accommodates 729, including a separate section for female inmates, unlike Jimeta which does not house female detainees.
Adamawa State Comptroller of Correctional Service, Ahmed Usman, welcomed the team and pledged full cooperation. Dr. Femi Ajayi, representing the UNODC, emphasized that the audit aims to enhance access to justice and improve living conditions for inmates.
The delegation included representatives from the Network of Legal Aid Providers and Hon. Justice Samuel Kyenson of the Adamawa State High Court.
