Federal Govt Urged To Declare State Of Emergency In Custodial Centres

The chief executive officer of the Public and Private Development Centre, Lucy James Abagi, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency across all custodial centres in Nigeria.

Abagi made the call in Abuja on Tuesday while speaking with LEADERSHIP on the sidelines of the 2025 Law Summit.

The summit, supported by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, marked the launch of Phase Two of the Reforming Pre-Trial Detention in Nigeria project.

Abagi lamented the deplorable state of custodial centres nationwide, stressing that many inmates lacked access to legal representation, healthcare, and food.

“Every life matters — including those inside custodial centres who don’t have access to justice or basic welfare. I think the government should declare a state of emergency and ensure that people who do not deserve to be there are released immediately,” she said.

The PPDC boss disclosed that over 70,000 people were currently awaiting trial across correctional facilities in Nigeria.

According to her, the ongoing project aims to reduce that number through collaboration with a wide network of stakeholders, including law students, clinicians, pro bono lawyers, police duty solicitors, and justice ministry officials.

Abagi revealed that PPDC currently works with more than 330 clinicians, 200 pro bono lawyers, and 50 duty solicitors stationed at 50 police stations nationwide, all providing free legal services to inmates.

She commended the dedication of pro bono lawyers, describing them as “icons” who embody the spirit of service and humanity.

“Giving your time, resources and intellectual capacity to serve others is noble. You may not see the reward now, but you are saving lives and reuniting families through your actions,” she stated.

Abagi reaffirmed PPDC’s commitment to supporting legal volunteers and strengthening justice reforms during her tenure.

She urged the federal government to prioritise justice sector reform, warning that neglecting the rights of detainees undermines both national security and human dignity.

“We can do better. We can preserve lives and our economy.“Every life matters — whether it’s the one in the custodial centre, the one arrested on the street, or the one held without legal representation”, she said.”