The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for an unfiltered investigation into the alleged human rights abuses taking place at a correctional facility in Kano.
The lawyers’ body, in a statement by Usman Umar Fari, the NBA Chairman for the Kano Branch, urged the Kano state government to set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the alleged abuses thoroughly. These include claims of sodomy, inadequate food and nutrition for inmates, conditions leading to starvation and malnutrition, and prolonged detention times that do not meet legal standards.
The NBA’s call for action comes after a viral interview in which an individual named Shehu Adamu, who claims to have been detained at the Gorondutse Correctional Facility for several years, revealed disturbing details about the conditions inside the facility.
“Our attention has been drawn to a viral interview conducted by an individual named Shehu Adamu, who claims to have been detained at Gorondutse Correctional Facility for some years and has made serious allegations regarding the conditions within the facility,” the NBA statement reads.
According to Adamu, inmates are suffering from hunger and starvation, which, he claims, has led to some younger detainees resorting to acts of sodomy as a desperate means of survival. Adamu has urged the relevant authorities to investigate these claims.
In response to these allegations, the spokesperson for the correctional facility denied the claims entirely. He stated that, due to the efficient administration of justice in Kano State, no inmate is held for more than two years without trial.
However, the NBA has insisted that, beyond the response from the facility’s authorities, the allegations require an impartial and thorough investigation by an independent body to determine the truth of the matter.
“Specifically, inquiries should focus on the following issues: the veracity of the allegations concerning sodomy and abuse, the adequacy of food and nutrition provided to inmates, conditions related to starvation and malnutrition, and the length of detention periods, along with compliance with legal standards,” the statement continued.
The NBA argued that these serious issues warrant a transparent investigation and not just counter-statements from the authorities. The association stressed the importance of the government acting decisively to uphold human rights, justice, and the integrity of the correctional system.
The NBA also called on the Kano state government to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the situation thoroughly. Such a commission would have the authority to examine conditions within the Gorondutse Correctional Facility, assess compliance with legal and human rights standards, and recommend corrective measures where necessary.
“This investigation is both timely and necessary,” the statement concluded.
