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The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has lamented the over 70,000 pretrial inmates in custodial centres across the country and pledged to work with relevant stakeholders to reduce the number by at least 50 per cent within the next decade.
PPDC has accordingly launched its innovative Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) technology to revolutionize Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Chief Executive Officer of PPDC, Lucy Abagi, who spoke during the “Access to Justice” Parley in Abuja, said PPDC is committed to advancing the digitisation of court systems in Nigeria, and by extension, across Africa.
She described as unacceptable the “70-80,000 pretrial detainees across our correctional centres whose living conditions bring tears to our eyes and should be declared an emergency”.
Abagi, however, disclosed that with support from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, PPDC has been able to secure release on bail 358 detainees while a total of 2,473 detainees are currently been represented in the custodial centres and 66 detainees have been discharged and acquitted among other achievements.
“Nigeria’s criminal justice system encompasses a network of courts, law enforcement agencies, prosecution offices, and correctional facilities. Unfortunately, these institutions remain underdeveloped and cannot adequately address the justice needs of the population.
“The judicial process is plagued by systemic delays, frustrating users and diminishing the likelihood of timely justice.
“These delays have also contributed to the rising number of pretrial detainees in detention centres, a growing concern for human rights,” she stated.
On technology being introduced, Abagi said this seeks to enhance court administration, case management, and scheduling systems, ensuring speedy and efficient dispensation of justice.
She explained further that the Court Administration and Case Management (CACM) technology would address critical challenges in Nigeria’s judicial system, such as delayed judgments, inadequate case and evidence management, and logistical hurdles in transporting inmates.
By introducing speech-to-text facilities, virtual courts, and standardized case-filing units, the project streamlines administrative tasks, fosters transparency, and improves overall case management efficiency.
Already, six states: Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, FCT, Adamawa and Lagos have adopted the initiative, as judges and court staff in these states are undergoing training.
The initiative also aims to digitise at least 50 per cent of Nigerian courts within five years.
The CACM project is supported by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and developed by Devon Tech, a PPDC subsidiary.
During the event, there was a live demonstration at the Apo High Court, Abuja where a mock court session showcased the software’s capabilities.
Within minutes, court proceedings were transcribed and made available to judges and staff, underscoring the potential for rapid case processing.
The Chief Executive Officer of PPDC,q said: “This technology addresses inefficiencies in our judiciary, but state-level collaboration and counterpart funding is essential for its success.
“The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is committed to advancing the digitization of courts systems in Nigeria, and by extension, across Africa. Our mission is to reduce the number of pretrial detainees by at least 50% within the next decade. With support from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, PPDC has successfully piloted court digitisation and virtual hearing systems, e-filing systems, evidence management and other technological support in three states—Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Plateau—impacting eight courts in each of the states.
“In the current phase, additional states, including Ebonyi, FCT and Oyo, will benefit, with three courts digitised in each state, bringing the total to 33 courts. While this is a significant achievement, it is only a small fraction of the over 1,000 courts nationwide, including various divisions and magistrate/customary courts. PPDC remains dedicated to scaling this initiative to transform justice delivery in Nigeria.
“A key objective of the reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria (RPDN) Project Phase II being implemented by PPDC is the Provision of free legal representation for pretrial detainees at Correctional Centres across six States in Nigeria (Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Plateau, FCT, Adamawa and Lagos).”
PPDC’s Board Chair, Chibuzor Ekwekwuo highlighted the broader impact of digitising court processes, adding: “Achieving this level of digitisation could solve at least half of the problems of the court and the justice system and then enable us to address the other human elements.
A former Solicitor-General in Kaduna State and keynote speaker, Chris Umar, SAN said efforts have been made to improve judicial processes and access to justice for all Nigerians.
He said: “As we interact with Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems, the need for effective, innovative, and inclusive reforms is more pressing than ever. The Nigerian justice system, with all its potential, faces significant challenges that hinder its accessibility, fairness, and efficiency.”
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