How Missing Case Files, Delayed Investigations Trap Awaiting-trial Inmates

LEADERSHIP Sunday team investigates the factors that keep accused persons in prisons across the country. The report is authored by CHRISTIANA NWAOGU, Abuja; ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin; FELIX IGBEKOYI, Asaba; ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti; ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos and NNAMDI MBAWIKE, Enugu.
Recent reports suggest that over 90 per cent of inmates in the country are awaiting trial, while some have stayed more than the number of years they would have spent if they had been convicted.
Findings by LEADERSHIP Sunday revealed that missing files and prolonged inter-agency investigations are among the reasons for the long stays of some awaiting-trial inmates.
In Kwara State, a total of 786 inmates are awaiti...