The ECOWAS Court of Justice orders Nigeria to decongest prisons within six months, citing human rights concerns linked to overcrowding and the large number of people held while awaiting trial. Multiple reports say the court finds that continued detention in congested conditions violates rights owed to inmates, particularly those who have not been convicted.
The ruling directs the federal government to take steps to reduce inmate numbers, with expectations for measurable action during the six-month period. Premium Times reports that Nigeria must submit a detailed compliance report to the court, including updated statistics showing the number of inmates released or tried. The Punch similarly reports that the court’s order targets prisons that hold thousands of awaiting-trial inmates.
Both accounts emphasize the court’s requirement for compliance reporting, indicating oversight of how Nigeria implements decongestion measures. The reports do not provide details on specific policy actions, timelines beyond the six months, or whether the government has appealed or is preparing an immediate response.
