By Staff Reporter.
The Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has expressed concern over the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial, citing a case in which an individual reportedly spent 10 years in custody without the conclusion of the trial.
Mrs. Anani raised the concern when she received members of the Federal Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee at the Government House in Benin City, where she pledged support for initiatives aimed at decongesting correctional centres and improving access to justice for vulnerable inmates.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Media Unit of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Anani described prolonged pretrial detention as a serious injustice that requires urgent attention.
She identified delays in the administration of justice as a major factor contributing to overcrowding in custodial centres, noting that some inmates remain in detention for years without their cases being determined.
Citing the reported case of an inmate who spent a decade awaiting trial, the First Lady called for reforms to ensure the timely dispensation of justice and prevent unnecessary detention.
Mrs. Anani also advocated greater use of non-custodial measures, particularly for minor offences where imprisonment may not be necessary, stressing that correctional reforms were essential to addressing overcrowding and promoting rehabilitation.
She further expressed concern that some inmates remain in custody because they lack the financial resources or support needed to navigate the justice system.
According to her, access to justice should not be determined by an individual’s economic circumstances, social standing or connections.
The First Lady assured the committee of her readiness to support programmes focused on inmates’ welfare, access to justice, rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
She also called for increased public awareness of the Constitution and relevant laws, noting that legal education and sensitisation could help prevent crime and encourage responsible conduct.
Mrs. Anani disclosed that her office would collaborate with the committee to intensify public enlightenment campaigns targeting children, mothers, youths, churches, other religious institutions and vulnerable communities.
She said the initiative would promote lawful conduct, discourage criminal behaviour and strengthen crime prevention efforts across the state.
Committee Seeks Stronger Partnership
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the committee, Mrs. Evbu Igbinedion, commended the First Lady for her visit to the Benin Correctional Centre on October 1, 2026, where she celebrated Nigeria’s Independence Day with inmates.
Igbinedion said the delegation visited the Government House to seek stronger collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and acknowledge Mrs. Anani’s contributions to correctional reform and access to justice.
She explained that the committee established the Restore Hope Initiative to address overcrowding in custodial centres, particularly cases involving inmates who remain incarcerated because they cannot pay court-imposed fines.
According to her, the initiative also addresses challenges associated with reoffending by supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of eligible inmates into society.
Igbinedion said the programme provides assistance towards the payment of fines for eligible inmates whose continued detention is linked to their inability to meet such financial obligations.
She added that beneficiaries could also receive grants, starter packs, vocational training and other skills-acquisition support to help them rebuild their lives after release.
The committee’s executive secretary commended Mrs. Anani for reportedly paying fines for some inmates during her October 1 visit to the correctional centre, describing the gesture as a significant contribution towards reducing custodial congestion and supporting rehabilitation.
She noted that interventions of this nature could also help ease pressure on correctional facilities, the police and the courts.
Edo First Lady Honoured as Access to Justice Ambassador
The visit featured the presentation of an Award of Honour to Mrs. Anani in recognition of her commitment to restorative justice, correctional reform and improved access to justice for vulnerable persons.
She was also decorated as the first Access to Justice Ambassador under the Restore Hope Initiative by Princess Esosa Osula, Secretary of the Edo State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.
The recognition highlighted the committee’s appreciation of the First Lady’s efforts to support inmates and promote initiatives aimed at improving the administration of justice.
The engagement is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Office of the First Lady and the committee in addressing prolonged pretrial detention, reducing overcrowding in custodial centres and expanding rehabilitation opportunities for inmates across Edo State.
