An advocacy group, Zarephath Aid, has called for a nationwide audit of correctional facilities to identify inmates, verify their legal status, and decongest overcrowded prisons.

 The founder, Ben Abraham, made the call while speaking with the newsmen in Lagos on the theme, “The New Legal Year and the Lingering Justice Question.” 
 
The lawyer said the audit was necessary to promote transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system, noting that many inmates were languishing in detention for years without trial.

“Despite several interventions by civil society and the judiciary, our correctional centres remain overcrowded. Many detainees have lost track of their cases or have been forgotten in custody. A comprehensive audit will expose these irregularities and restore confidence in the justice process,” he said.
 
Abraham urged heads of courts and judicial officers to collaborate with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and states’ Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committees to ensure regular oversight visits to detention centres and prompt case reviews.
 
According to him, both the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and similar state laws mandate monthly visits by judges and magistrates to police cells and correctional facilities, followed by reports to the Chief Judge and Attorney-General.

“The oversight responsibility has been lacking in many states and even at the federal level. This neglect contributes to the continued illegal detention of citizens and violation of suspects’ rights,” Abraham said.

Speaking on the broader justice sector reforms, the activist suggested that the new legal year activities should go beyond speeches and ceremonial processions to concrete performance assessments.
 
“While we celebrate the new legal year, millions of Nigerians are still waiting to experience justice in real terms. For them, justice is not about speeches but about timely, fair, and humane decisions. They await the day when justice will truly touch their lives,” he said.
 
Abraham criticised the Cybercrimes Act 2024, alleging that it had been “inordinately applied to muzzle dissent and silence critics of government.” The Executive Director, Joseph Ameh, called for stronger collaboration among justice sector agencies, urging the Minister of Interior to extend his reform agenda to correctional centres nationwide.
 
Also speaking, the organisation’s Gender Rights and Child Officer, Kaylah Abraham, emphasised the need to enforce the Child Rights Act, protect minors in detention, and expand access to legal aid for children in conflict with the law.
 
“The audit will not only reveal the true number of inmates but also help address the systemic delays that have kept thousands awaiting trial for years,” she said.