By joshua Edo First Lady Decries Prolonged Pretrial Detention, Pledges Support For Correctional Centre Decongestion
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Coordinator Office of the First Lady Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has expressed concern over the high number of inmates awaiting trial in correctional centres across the state, describing prolonged pretrial detention as a serious injustice that requires urgent attention.
Mrs. Anani stated this when she received members of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (Federal) and Edo State ACJMC at the Government House, Benin City, where she pledged her support for initiatives aimed at decongesting custodial centres and promoting access to justice.
She identified prolonged detention without conviction as a major contributor to overcrowding in correctional facilities, expressing concern that some inmates spend several years in custody without their cases being determined.
Citing a case in which an inmate reportedly spent 10 years awaiting trial, the First Lady described the situation as distressing and called for measures to ensure timely dispensation of justice.
Mrs. Anani noted that correctional reforms is pertinent and advocated greater consideration of non-custodial measures, particularly for minor offences where imprisonment may not be necessary.
She also lamented that some inmates remain in custody because they lack the financial resources, influence or support needed to navigate the justice system, stressing that access to justice should not depend on an individual’s social or economic status.
The First Lady assured the committee of her willingness to support initiatives that promote the welfare of inmates, facilitate access to justice and encourage the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.
While emphasising the importance of personal responsibility and respect for the law, Mrs. Anani called for increased public awareness of the provisions of the Constitution and relevant laws, noting that ignorance of the law could contribute to criminal behaviour.
She disclosed that her office would collaborate with the committee to intensify sensitisation campaigns targeting children, mothers, youths, churches, other religious institutions and young people in vulnerable communities, with a view to promoting lawful conduct and preventing crime.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the committee, Mrs. Evbu Igbinedion, said the delegation appreciate the First Lady for her visit to the Benin Correctional Centre on October 1, 2026, where she celebrated Independence Day with inmates.
She said the visit was also to seek stronger collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and recognise Mrs. Anani’s contributions to correctional reform and access to justice.
Mrs. Igbinedion explained that the committee established the Restore Hope Initiative to address overcrowding in custodial centres, particularly cases involving inmates held for their inability to pay court-imposed fines, as well as challenges associated with reoffending.
According to her, the initiative seeks to pay fines for eligible inmates whose continued detention is linked to their inability to meet such obligations. It also provides rehabilitation and reintegration support through grants, starter packs, vocational training and skills acquisition.
She commended Mrs. Anani for paying fines for inmates during her October 1 visit, describing the intervention as an important contribution towards reducing custodial congestion, supporting rehabilitation and easing pressure on the police and the courts.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of an Award of Honour to Mrs. Anani and her decoration by Princess (Mrs) Esosa Osula, Secretary Edo State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, as the first Access to Justice Ambassador under the Restore Hope Initiative, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to restorative justice and improved access to justice for vulnerable persons.