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PRAWA calls for urgent action to reduce number of ATPs

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PRAWA harps on government involvement to end torture in Nigeria

The Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for urgent and collective action to reduce the number of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs) in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The call is contained in a statement issued by the Executive Director, PRAWA, Dr Uju Agomoh, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Agomoh said that it was also important to note that some of the ATPs have had their cases stalled for many years.

She said that PRAWA identified with the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola on his recent call for urgent decongestion of ‘Jails’ in Nigeria.

Agomoh said that PRAWA had followed prison reform efforts and trends in Nigeria for about three decades now.

She said that the major challenge of the administration of corrections in Nigeria included issues of slow grinding wheels of the criminal justice trials.

This, she said included the resultant huge population of ATPs causing congestion, especially in custodial centres in metropolitan cities in Nigeria.

Agomoh said that some experts have also connected a high number of awaiting trial population and the complications of congestion to the increased cases of jailbreaks and growing dangerous trends of insecurity in the country.

Read Also: Torture Prevention: PRAWA boss bags UN committee membership

In her words, “the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) portal daily records of inmate population speaks to the challenges at hand.

“A summary of inmate population by convicts and awaiting trial persons provided on the portal as of October 3rd, 2022 is as follows:

“Total inmate population -75,635; total male inmates -74,029; total female inmates- 1,606; total convicted inmates- 22,488; convicted male inmates -22,488; convicted female Inmates – 402;

“Total awaiting trial inmates are 52,745; awaiting trial male–51,541; awaiting trial female- 1,204; convicted inmates 30 per cent; awaiting trial inmates -70 per cent; male inmates -98 per cent; female inmates- 2 per cent.”

Agomoh said that it was important to note that the percentage of ATPs reflected here was the statistics for all the correctional centres in Nigeria.

She said that the percentage was higher for some custodial centres especially those in urban areas adding that some of these centres have up to 85 per cent of ATPs.

“This calls for urgent action. PRAWA believes that there is a need for urgent, sincere and intentional collective action towards addressing them.

“This is the time to put in place sustainable mechanisms to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the innovative provisions of the NCoS Act 2019.

“The NCoS should strengthen its strategies at partnering with relevant security and justice sector institutions and other stakeholders towards actualisation of the objectives of the NCoS Act, ” she said.

PRAWA calls for urgent action to reduce number of ATPs
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FRSC warns truck drivers against speeding, reckless driving

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Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.

He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.

The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.

He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.

“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.

“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”

He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.

Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.

He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.

He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

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Trump Victory Sparks Celebration in Florida, Disappointment for Harris Supporters

Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.

At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”

“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”

Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.

“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.

In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.

As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.

“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.

Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”

While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.

“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.

The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

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Tinubu Congratulates Trump on Historic Re-Election, Eyes Stronger U.S.-Nigeria Ties

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.

The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.

Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”

Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.

Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”

The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.

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