Human rights activist and humanitarian, Mr. Ukan Kurugh has written to the Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia and the Chief Judge (CJ) of the State Honourable Justice Maurice Ikpambese, on what he called “those who remain locked away in police cells and detention facilities, often forgotten and unheard.”
Mr. Kurugh is concerned that despite the coming into force of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Benue State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), illegal detentions persist while citizens continue to languish behind bars without trial or charge. Both provide that Chief Magistrates must visit and inspect police stations and detention facilities every month.
According to Mr. Kurugh, the provision that chief magistrates visit police cells is “not a mere formality. It is a life-saving safeguard designed to curb illegal detention, police abuse, and prolonged pre-trial incarceration.”
He, therefore, appealed to the Benue State Government to provide funding and logistics for Chief Magistrates to visit police stations and detention facilities monthly.
Mr. Kurugh also appealed to the Chief Judge to issue a directive reinforcing compliance as well as reports from the visits be made public to promote transparency and accountability.
Scores are said to be in various police detention facilities without charge and have never appeared in court since their arrests.
