The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has facilitated the release of eight inmates from the Suleja Correctional Centre as part of activities marking the 2026 Nelson Mandela Day, while warning that poverty and inequality must not continue to fuel unnecessary detention and overcrowding in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

The intervention, carried out in partnership with civil society organisations including Hope Behind Bars Africa, Shamies Unusual Hearts Foundation and Eyesavers Healthcare Initiative, focused on indigent and low-risk inmates who remained in custody largely because they could not meet financial obligations imposed by the courts.

Speaking during the commemoration at the Suleja Correctional Centre, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, said the initiative was not merely a remembrance of Mandela’s life but a reaffirmation of the principles of justice, dignity and compassion that defined the late South African leader’s struggle.

“Today’s commemoration is not about the calendar but about the principles Mandela stood for. For us, it is not just a memorial but a reaffirmation of a life lived for the human person, for the values of human dignity and for the principles of freedom,” Ojukwu said.

The NHRC boss explained that the 2026 theme for Mandela Day — “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity” — directly reflects the realities confronting Nigeria’s justice and correctional systems.

According to him, many offences that bring people into custody are often linked to poverty, while inability to pay fines continues to keep vulnerable inmates behind bars.

“Most crimes that bring people into custody are often rooted in poverty, and when you look at the fines that continue to keep low-risk inmates behind bars, you can see how poverty and inequity sustain overcrowding in our correctional facilities,” he said.

Ojukwu stressed that addressing the challenges within correctional centres requires more than policy statements, noting that practical interventions must complement advocacy efforts.

“This year’s theme must speak to our systems, our policies, our laws and our collective conscience. It calls on us to fight poverty and inequity not only through advocacy but through practical interventions,” he added.

He said the NHRC had moved beyond monitoring detention conditions and making recommendations by directly intervening to support vulnerable inmates through payment of fines, provision of welfare materials and rehabilitation initiatives.

“For people of means, it is an invitation to join hands in supporting these efforts, so that custodial centres are not overwhelmed and society can benefit from the values and contributions of rehabilitated inmates because they still have something to offer,” the NHRC Executive Secretary stated.

The Commission noted that the release of the eight inmates was consistent with the vision behind the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, popularly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, which promote humane treatment, dignity and rehabilitation of persons deprived of liberty.

Mandela’s own experience of spending 27 years in prison during his fight against apartheid, Ojukwu said, remains a reminder that imprisonment must not erase a person’s humanity or disconnect them from society.

He recalled that the NHRC had undertaken a similar intervention during Mandela Day 2025, when it facilitated the release of four indigent inmates after settling their fines, while also donating welfare items and sensitising correctional officers on international standards for inmate treatment.

“This year, we continue in that spirit. As part of today’s activities, we are supporting inmates with essential hygiene items and once again facilitating the release of selected low-risk individuals,” he said.

“By these actions, we are simply saying that those in custody remain part of our society and deserve opportunities to rebuild their lives. Custody must be a turning point, leading to correction and ultimately reintegration.”

The NHRC Executive Secretary further emphasised the importance of training correctional officers on global human rights standards, particularly the Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules, which provide guidelines for the treatment of prisoners, including women in custody.

He said the sensitisation programme was designed to ensure that respect for human dignity becomes embedded in the daily operations of correctional institutions.

“These standards are practical guides to ensure that persons deprived of liberty are treated with dignity and fairness at all times. The more these standards are reinforced, the more they become embedded in our culture and practice,” he said.

The intervention comes amid continued concerns over congestion in Nigeria’s correctional facilities, where awaiting-trial inmates and indigent prisoners remain a significant challenge.

Human rights advocates have repeatedly called for reforms that prioritise rehabilitation, alternatives to unnecessary detention and stronger legal support systems for vulnerable citizens.

The NHRC, while appreciating the contributions of its partners and officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service, said the Mandela Day activities reflect the belief that justice must go beyond punishment to include fairness, restoration and the opportunity for individuals to contribute positively to society.

“As we celebrate Mandela’s legacy, let us remember that his struggle was not for himself alone but for humanity,” Ojukwu said. “May we continue to uphold his principles in our work, ensuring that justice, dignity and freedom remain the guiding lights of our custodial reforms.” (AriseNews TV)

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