Project 1000
WHAT IS PROJECT 100?
Simply put, this is a strategic legal aid intervention program targeting 1000 awaiting trial inmates of correctional centres in Nigeria. It is bold as it is specific in terms of the parameters for the intervention applying the Why, For Whom, How and Where method of action;
WHY – As already stated above, the correctional centres are overcrowded and there is need to intervene.
FOR WHOM – The specific target area involves the inmates whose cases are not yet on trial and who have stayed reasonably long in custody. Experience has shown that quite a number of inmates stay so long in custody while awaiting DPPs advice or other official judicial and administrative action.
HOW – Employing the tools of specific legal intervention like the Fundamental Rights enforcement procedure, Bail pending trial and applications to produce suspects before the courts, the Project 1000 will be galvanized to results.
WHERE – Efforts will be made to reach inmates in key correctional centers in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
The novel Corona virus pandemic (Covid-19) suddenly appeared on the global scene and akin to a bull in a china shop, it raged on, foisting radical changes in the way things are done everywhere. No sector of the economy or segment of the society was spared in the onslaught. The world has been compelled to take drastic measures to guarantee sustainable living. It is projected that the fallouts of the pandemic will last well into the future and full recovery could take decades.
Nigeria was not spared in anyway. The forced lock downs affected the economy and daily business. Incidentally too, the Justice Administration system was not left out. The criminal Justice system took a devastating hit making court sittings sparing. Investigation of suspects became delayed and the inmates of correctional centres were not adequately attended to.
It must be noted that prior to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the criminal justice system was not functioning anywhere near the ideal. We are familiar with overwhelming instances of wrongful arrest, delayed remand in custody, shabby investigation and long/tortuous trial of accused persons/defendants. Not to mention the hydra headed monster of overcrowded correctional centres.
Certainly, this pitiable situation has been badly complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The situation in the correctional centres in Nigeria is worrisome. Statistics from the Interior Ministry and prisonstudies.org show that Nigeria has about 240 correctional centres (155 centres hold inmates and 83 are satellite centres). These centres have a combined official capacity for 50,153 inmates max. As at February 2021, the total inmate population was put at 66,370. Of this number, about 73.2% is awaiting trial. Some intervention programs have been championed by both the Government and the Civil Society within the confines of available resources. Much more needs to be done. It is against this background that PROJECT 1000 seeks to intervene.
Project 1000 will be executed in four phases of three monthly intervals covering a 1 year period. The first batch of selected beneficiaries in the South west and North central zones will have applications filed for them in the courts. The next phase will entail the South east and North west while the last phase will cover the South-South and North East zones. The last quarter will be for assessment and reporting. There intends to be a periodic interface with the key stake holders and the Press in order to assess the Project
To successfully execute this project there is a place for; VOLUNTEERS – Lawyers who are willing to give their services towards this are much welcome.
Read MoreThe Correctional Centres administration, The various State Ministries of Justice and the Judiciary have key roles to play towards the actualization of Project 1000.
To be part of this noble project, fill form here.