The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has lamented that no fewer than 500 inmates are currently languishing in Zamfara State Correctional Centres without trial, demanding judicial authorities expedite action to ensure justice.

Speaking at the launch of the 2026 implementation plan for the National Action Plan on Human Rights, the State Coordinator of the NHRC, Abdullahi Abubakar, commented on the prolonged detentions, saying that the 1999 Nigerian Constitution guarantees the rights of all citizens without discrimination.

Abubakar also stated the need for public enlightenment campaigns and education to teach citizens about their legal rights and the rights of others.

According to him, the persistent banditry activities in the State have severely worsened the local humanitarian situation, triggering an increase in human rights abuses, including rape and various forms of gender-based violence.

A recently freed ex-convict disclosed to journalists the hardship the inmates experience inside the cells.

He alleged that detainees in the Zamfara correctional facilities are subjected to highly unhygienic living conditions, poor feeding, inadequate medication, and a severe lack of clothing and other basic human amenities.

The former inmate said that he did not, however, have such problems in the Gusau facility where he served his time, saying that there was a sufficient water supply.

At the time of filing this report, all attempts to contact the spokesman of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Gusau for an official comment on these allegations proved unsuccessful. (The Guardian)

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