NHRC facilitates trial of 179 inmates in Kebbi

The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) said yesterday it had facilitated the speedy trial of 179 awaiting trial inmates in Kebbi State.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Ben Angwe, said this in Birnin Kebbi.

Angwe was on a visit to prisons formations in the state as part of the 2014 annual prison audit.

He said the commission would intensify efforts to ensure that inmates awaiting trial secured prosecution or release promptly to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

“The time for inmates on holding charge was over,” he said.

Angwe called on the state government to renovate the existing prisons to make them habitable for inmates.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Right, Justice and Judiciary, Sen. Umar Tambuwal, said his committee was determined to protect the human rights of citizens.

He said N8 billion had been earmarked in the 2014 budget to de-congest prisons nationwide, to make them reform and character moulding centres. (NAN)