Over 400 inmates stuck in Kano prisons due to improper records – CP Gumel
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According to him: "There are over 400 inmates languishing in the Central Correctional Centre due to various reasons amongst which are: missing/untraced court case records; absence of Case Diary; non issuance of legal advice and filing of charge at the High Court and prolonged years of criminal trials without granting bail to the Defendants." He lamented the fact that the hapless inmates suffer years of prolonged detention for cases that would have been sorted out within a short period, all things being equal.
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
Kano Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Usaini Gumel, has revealed that over 400 inmates are languishing in prisons in the state due to improper documentation.
The Police boss made the revelation on Monday while speaking at the Kano state branch of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Law Week, with the theme: “Turning Point.”
He called for a concerted effort among all stakeholders to reverse the ugly trend.
According to him: “There are over 400 inmates languishing in the Central Correctional Centre due to various reasons amongst which are: missing/untraced court case records; absence of Case Diary; non issuance of legal advice and filing of charge at the High Court and prolonged years of criminal trials without granting bail to the Defendants.”
He lamented the fact that the hapless inmates suffer years of prolonged detention for cases that would have been sorted out within a short period, all things being equal.
According to him, with the collective support of other stakeholders in the Criminal Justice System, Kano state police Command remain ever committed towards providing access to justice and equity to the vulnerable members of the society.
He recalled that the Command constituted a steering committee to facilitate the implementation of the innovative provisions contained in the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme Document.
“This committee, which is comprised of criminal Justice professionals, has embarked on a series of visits to correctional facilities at Janguza and Kurmawa, as well as Zango, Hotoro, and Sharada Police Stations.
“The visits were also extended to complexes of Sharia Courts, Nomansland Magistrate Courts and the High Courts located along Miller Road in Kano State during which held constructive discussions with stakeholders and obtained useful information on the way forward.
“These visits underscored our commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the PDSS initiative and fostering collaboration with key stakeholders in the justice system.”
CP Gumel listed the findings of the Committee to include that: “”The legal aid facilities within the State’s law enforcement and judicial system are limited, leading to challenges in providing timely and adequate legal representation to the individuals in need.
“There is a lack of basic facilities such as health care, routine hygiene, staff offices and schools, etc. at the Remand Home of Goron Dutse.
“A significant number of detainees are without access to justice and legal representation for an extended period during their time at Central Correctional Centre Kurmawa, which raises concern about the vulnerability of detainees without legal representation and the potential impact on their rights within the criminal justice system.
“There is a shortage of legal professionals and support for *pro bono Publico* that involves providing for the public good free legal services to the large number of arrested and/or detained individuals and members of the Force.
“There is a lack of effective coordination among key stakeholders especially correctional facilities and legal aid services, leading to gaps in service delivery and support.”
He, however, recommended that: “The Kano State Government should adopt the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) Advisory Committee with a slight modification to serve as *Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee* with a view to ensuring the effective and efficient application and implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law by the relevant agencies in the State.
“The Courts should be encouraged to apply and fully utilize the provisions of Kano State Courts (Custodial and Non-Custodial) Sentencing Guidelines for Offences and ensure that custodial sentences on low culpability and limited harm offences are minimized to the lowest level.
“The Correctional authorities should ensure that inmates (whether awaiting or convicted) are engaged with vocational education and training for rehabilitation and reformation purposes.
“The Ministry of Justice should direct the State Counsel to submit legal advice assigned to them in respect of capital offences pending before the lower courts for necessary action.
“DPO’s should charge cases promptly to Court; police bail should be granted where the conditions are fulfilled.”
(CP Gumel at the Kano NBA Law Week ceremony)
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