The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest Litigation and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has visited the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of efforts to identify inmates requiring legal assistance.
The delegation, led by the Chairperson of NBA-SPIDEL, Prof. Uju Agomoh, was received by the Controller of Corrections, Rivers State Command, CC R. M. Williams, FCAI.
During the visit, members of the delegation interacted with inmates and listened to complaints concerning their legal challenges, including prolonged detention and difficulties accessing bail.
The lawyers requested a list of inmates whose cases involved options of fines, as well as those requiring legal intervention, particularly inmates seeking assistance with bail applications.
NBA-SPIDEL assured the inmates that the cases identified during the exercise would be reviewed and that appropriate legal steps would be taken to assist deserving persons within the provisions of the law.
The delegation also expressed its commitment to supporting the welfare of inmates, including the provision of basic items to address some of the needs identified within the custodial facility.
Responding, the Controller of Corrections commended NBA-SPIDEL for its intervention, stressing that collaboration with relevant stakeholders, particularly members of the legal profession, remained crucial to improving access to justice.
He noted that such partnerships could contribute significantly to decongesting custodial facilities, strengthening rehabilitation efforts and facilitating the successful reintegration of inmates into society.
The visit underscores the important role of public-interest legal intervention in ensuring that access to justice extends to persons in custodial facilities, particularly those unable to secure adequate legal representation.
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