The Solicitors Scheme Advisory Committee, established by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has uncovered disturbing revelations regarding the plight of awaiting trial inmates at Kurmawa Custodial Centre in Kano.
It has been revealed that over 300 inmates are languishing in the facility without proper documentation of their cases.
During the unscheduled visits to Custodial Centers, Police formations, and Juvenile Homes in the state, it was discovered that many inmates, including Ibrahim Dala and Yahya Usman, have been awaiting trial for an extended period without their cases being brought to court.
Ibrahim Dala, who has been incarcerated since 2009 on charges of culpable homicide, highlighted the lack of progress in his case.
Similarly, Yahya Usman expressed uncertainty about his fate, having last appeared in court in 2017.
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Led by the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad-Hussaini Gumel, the team’s mandate is to investigate cases of human rights violations concerning individuals with criminal and civil cases.
Mr. Gumel emphasised the importance of identifying such cases, documenting them, and forwarding them to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.
During the visit, it was revealed that many inmates lacked case diaries or criminal records before their incarceration.
According to him,”some have no specific courts they would be charged to and no records of their cases, yet have been in custody for many years”.
Furthermore, some detainees remained in custody due to their inability to afford legal representation.
Addressing the media after the visit, Mr. Gumel assured that the affected inmates would receive justice soon.
He emphasized that all necessary investigations would be thoroughly conducted and transmitted to the appropriate authorities for effective resolution.
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