Detention of pregnant women, mentally challenged persons receives backlash
There’s been ongoing deliberations by stakeholders in the Kano state justice system over the treatment of vulnerable persons undergoing the judicial process.
Several judges, defence lawyers and magistrates have expressed disappointment on the welfare of pregnant women and mentally challenged persons who are being detained in facilities that have inadequate provisions for their needs in the state.
A communique signed by the Executive Secretary of Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, Hajiya Amina Hanga at the end of a two-day program organized by the organization to deliberate on the protection of the privileges of people under detention read in part:
“The absence of human rights desk officers at police stations within local government areas are among the stringent factors frustrating the protection of the rights and privileges of persons in detention.”
It was noted that courts need to apply discretion in ordering juveniles, pregnant women and mentally challenged suspects to be remanded in prison. And that the act of adjourning cases and prolonging verdict longer than necessary was equally wrong.
The issue was brought to rest by recommendations from the stakeholders who implored the affected authorities to address the problem with immediate effect.
