Isiyaku Ahmed
The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has raised fresh concerns over the state of human rights protection in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the conditions of inmates and persons in detention facilities across the country.
In a statement to commemorate the 2025 Human Rights Day, on Wednesday, CEFSAN’s Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., said the occasion serves as a reminder of the universal principles of dignity, justice, and freedom, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and reinforced by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).
He noted that despite these legal guarantees, many detention centres nationwide remain overstretched and under-resourced, leaving detainees vulnerable to violations ranging from overcrowding and prolonged pre-trial detention to poor healthcare and inadequate legal representation.
The organization identified five priority areas requiring immediate government attention:
CEFSAN called for the strict implementation of the Anti-Torture Act, alongside continuous human rights training for security and correctional officers, to curb abuse and maltreatment of detainees.
The organisation expressed concern that many suspects languish in custody for years without trial. It urged the judiciary to accelerate reforms, adopt non-custodial sentencing, and conduct regular reviews of cases involving prolonged detention.
The statement highlighted the need for better access to healthcare, sanitation, nutritious meals, and rehabilitation programmes.
It also advocated increased investment in upgrading correctional centres.
CEFSAN called for stronger oversight to check unlawful arrests, arbitrary detention, and other rights violations, insisting that security agencies must be held accountable through transparent reporting systems.
It stressed the importance of preparing inmates for life after release through vocational training, education, and psychosocial support to aid successful reintegration.
As the world marks Human Rights Day, CEFSAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a just and humane society “where the rights of every individual, whether detained or free, are protected and preserved.”
