400 inmates were reportedly languishing at the Central Correctional Center in Kurmawa, Kano State, according to Mr. Usaini Gumel, the Commissioner of Police for Kano State. The Nigerian News Agency, said Gumel affirmed this on Monday, 13 May 2024, in Kano during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano State branch, Law Week, which had the subject “Turning Point.”

According to Gumel, the majority of the inmates underwent lengthy criminal trials without bail, no case files, no case diaries, untraced court case records, and no legal advice. Another issue he brought up was the lack of Attorneys and support personnel to offer pro bono legal services to the numerous people who have been arrested, detained, or otherwise placed under arrest, as well as members of the Force.

He also said that “there is generally lack of effective coordination among key stakeholders, especially in the areas of legal aid and correctional facilities, which leads to gaps in the delivery of services and support.” The Commissioner voiced worries about the vulnerability of inmates without counsel and the possible ramifications for their rights in the criminal justice system.

“The Remand Home in Goron Dutse, Kano lacks essential amenities like staff offices, schools, regular hygiene, and healthcare. As a result, the State Command established a Steering Committee to aid in the execution of the creative clauses found in the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme Document.

To gather important information on the next steps, the committee, which is made up of experts in criminal justice, has visited correctional facilities and engaged in productive dialogue with stakeholders,” he stated.

Additionally, the commissioner stated that the State’s Police Command is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights through the establishment of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS), which aims to give detainees free legal assistance and guarantee that their rights are upheld and protected throughout the criminal justice processes.

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