A former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kaduna State, Justice Joanna Jatau Kadiya, has said the lack of collaboration between the police and the Office of the Attorney General is a key factor contributing to the rising number of awaiting trial inmates in prisons.
Speaking at a stakeholder consultative forum on security, civic space, and the administration of criminal justice law in the Northwest, organized by the Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peace Building (CCED), Justice Kadiya emphasised the need for better coordination between these bodies.
“Involving the Attorney General’s office in investigations will help reduce the number of awaiting trial inmates in prisons,” she stated, calling for immediate action to ensure good governance and accountability in addressing the issue of shrinking civic space.
She also urged the government to continue providing adequate protection for citizens from the activities of bandits.
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Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Rabi Salisu, represented by her Special Adviser, Hajiya Maryam Mua’zu, assured that the ministry is collaborating with the State Ministry of Justice to address gaps in the administration of criminal justice.
She stressed that ensuring security, protecting civic space, and upholding the rule of law are critical, noting that security measures should protect and expand freedoms rather than infringe on civil liberties.