Former AG Blames Lack of Coordination Between Police and Attorney General for Delays in Trial of Inmates

• Former Attorney General Justice Kadiya identifies poor police-AG collaboration as a major reason for high numbers of inmates awaiting trial
• Kadiya urges improved coordination between key bodies to reduce prison population and promote good governance while protecting civic space

Justice Joanna Jatau Kadiya, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kaduna State, has identified poor collaboration between the police and the Office of the Attorney General as a major reason for the increasing number of prison inmates awaiting trial.

At a stakeholder consultative forum on security, civic space, and the administration of criminal justice in the Northwest, organized by the Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peace Building (CCED), Justice Kadiya highlighted the need for improved coordination between these key bodies.

“Engaging the Attorney General’s office in investigations can help reduce the number of inmates awaiting trial in prisons,” she stated, urging immediate action to promote good governance and accountability while addressing the shrinking civic space.

Justice Kadiya also called on the government to provide adequate protection for citizens against bandits.

Rabi Salisu, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, represented by her Special Adviser, Hajiya Maryam Mua’zu, reassured that the ministry is working closely with the State Ministry of Justice to address gaps in the administration of criminal justice.

She emphasized the importance of security, protecting civic space, and upholding the rule of law, noting that security measures should expand freedoms and not infringe on civil liberties.