Gov Yusuf Decries Prolonged Detention of Inmates, Says Delayed Trials Weaken Public Trust

–        Advocates justice, fairness, accountability in governance

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has described as “troubling” cases of inmates who spend years behind bars without trial, over an alleged offence.

Yusuf who lamented this prolonged detention is usually occasioned by missing case files or absence of legal representation, stated the situation weakens public trust in the judiciary as well as the rule of law.

He spoke Saturday night in Abuja, at the 2025 edition of The Creed Magazine’s Annual Dinner and Awards, held under the theme: “Law & Society: Leadership, Infrastructural Development, Pursuit of Good Governance.”

The governor disclosed the state in the last few years have made deliberate efforts to strengthen the justice sector, based on its belief that a society that seeks development must first entrench justice.

While observing that in every society, the law serves as the foundation upon which peace, order, and development are built, the governor emphasized that when law functions effectively and fairly, society thrives but, when law is weakened, every other sector suffers.

“Through the Ministry of Justice, we initiated wide-ranging reforms to ensure that justice is accessible to all citizens regardless of status, income level, or background.

“Through the Ministry of Justice, we initiated wide-ranging reforms. We recognized that prolonged detentions, delayed trials, and poor access to legal representation weaken public trust and undermine the rule of law.

“That is why the urgent review of prolonged detention in custodial centres was launched, an intervention that revealed deeply troubling cases of inmates who had spent years behind bars without trial, without case files, and sometimes without legal representation.

“Working closely with the Attorney-General, we directed swift administrative action to trace missing files, issue pending legal advice, initiate prosecution where necessary, and withdraw cases where justice so demanded”, he said.

Yusuf, represented by the Kano State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude (SAN), added the intervention was not an isolated effort as it forms part of a broader justice reform agenda aimed at protecting fundamental rights, strengthening due process, and ensuring timely access to justice.

The governor disclosed further that his administration is also supporting initiatives that expand legal aid, formalize volunteer legal services, and integrate pro bono networks into the State’s justice architecture, adding that justice should never depend on wealth or influence.

“As leaders, we are constantly reminded that governance must be anchored on justice, fairness, and accountability. The law defines our limitations, guides our responsibilities, and ensures that government remains a servant of the people.

“The theme therefore mirrors the central philosophy guiding our administration: that leadership must be responsible, development must be people-centered, and governance must be transparent and just”, he added.

While stressing that the relationship between law and society becomes meaningful only when backed by tangible development, the governor claimed his administration has embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of strategic roads across the State, including major metropolitan routes and rural access roads that open up communities and stimulate economic activities.

Besides, he stated the government has invested in upgrading schools, renovating healthcare facilities, improving water supply systems, and supporting initiatives that enhance the capacity of young people.

In his keynote address, constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Sebastine Hon, who pointed out that leadership plays a decisive role in society’s growth and development, commended the governor for his infrastructural development of the state.

Speaking on the topic, “Law and Society: Leadership, Infrastructural Development and the Pursuit of Good Governance”, he urged state governments to focus on the Local Government Areas (LGAs), especially now that the states are receiving higher allocation from the federal government.

“With prudent use of allocation Nigerians should not be hungry by now”, he said, adding that “leaders should not ignore the rural areas because they are the main stay of the economy”.

He therefore called on state governments to ensure the provisions of basic infrastructures at the grassroots, adding it would greatly help in addressing the current insecurity plaguing the country.

In his welcome, the Publisher and Editor-in-chief, The Creed, John-Austin Unachukwu, disclosed that the event was organized to reaffirm the collective duty to strengthen the rule of law, uphold justice, and advance good governance in Nigeria.

“Tonight, we honour the exceptional – legal icons and professionals whose careers have shaped the practice of law and governance in Nigeria, we also honour public sector leaders whose contributions to governance and development reflect the highest ideals of service”, he said.

The events high point was the presentation of the “Governor of the Year on Infrastructure Award”, to the Kano State governor.