The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched a major partnership with the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) and the Papal Knights and Medalists of Nigeria to secure the release of inmates detained over minor offences and tackle the growing problem of congestion in correctional centres across the country.
The collaboration, unveiled in Abuja during a meeting between the Commission and a delegation led by the National President of the Papal Knights and Supreme Knight of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Steve Adehi, will focus on assisting Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) who remain in custody because they cannot meet bail conditions despite facing minor, bailable offences.
Speaking during the meeting, Adehi lamented that many Nigerians are languishing in correctional facilities, not because they have been convicted of crimes, but simply because they are too poor to pay bail or have become victims of prolonged unlawful detention.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described the situation as a serious indictment on the country’s justice system, revealing that the Commission has documented cases of individuals kept behind bars over debts and allegations involving as little as ₦5,000.
He stressed that restoring the freedom of such detainees is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty aimed at preserving human dignity and strengthening public confidence in the justice system.
Under the partnership, the NHRC and the faith-based organisations will jointly identify and facilitate the release of inmates held for minor offences solely because they cannot satisfy bail conditions.
The initiative will also extend beyond prison walls, with plans to establish rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, including halfway homes, vocational skills training and support packages designed to help former inmates rebuild their lives and reduce the risk of reoffending.
As part of broader correctional reforms, the partners also agreed to organise human rights training for correctional personnel to promote humane treatment of inmates in line with Nigeria’s Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and internationally recognised standards, including the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules.
Head of the NHRC’s National Preventive Mechanism, Kabiru Elayo, warned that without structured reintegration programmes, many ex-inmates are likely to return to custody shortly after their release, underscoring the need for sustained post-release support.
To formalise the arrangement, the Commission will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Knights of St. Mulumba and the Papal Knights and Medalists of Nigeria, after which the initiative will be implemented through the NHRC’s offices in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Commission said the partnership marks a significant step towards decongesting Nigeria’s correctional facilities, protecting the rights of vulnerable detainees and promoting a justice system anchored on fairness, dignity and the rule of law.