A human rights lawyer, Pius D. Pius, has decried the alarming number of inmates in Nigerian correctional centres being held without trial, revealing that between 60 to 70 percent fall into this category.

Speaking in Jalingo, Taraba State, during the commemoration of International Human Rights Day, Pius described the situation as a grave injustice, noting that some detainees have spent up to two or three years in custody without their cases being heard in court.

“This is not acceptable. Human rights abuses in Nigeria are rising. People are hungry, sick, and their fundamental freedoms are being trampled upon with impunity,” he said.

He cited increasing cases of police brutality, prison congestion, child abuse, forced labour, and widespread inequality as worrying trends.

Pius called on Nigerians to be vigilant and proactive in defending their rights and those of others. “An injustice to one is an injustice to all. We must rise to protect our freedoms wherever they are threatened,” he stated.

To mark the occasion, his law firm, PD Pius and Associates, announced a pro bono initiative to provide free legal services to 20 indigent Nigerians, in line with the Legal Aid Council Act.

“In the spirit of the day, we are offering free legal services to 20 deserving clients. Details are available on our website — www.pdpiusandassociates.com,” he said.

The firm also organised a Human Rights Awareness Walk in Jalingo and Abuja to promote awareness about the importance of protecting human dignity and rights.

This year’s International Human Rights Day was commemorated under the theme: “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”