The Public And Private Development Centre has secured the release of 60 detainees after paying fines totalling N5 million to support ongoing efforts aimed at decongesting correctional facilities in various states.
This initiative was carried out under its jail delivery support programme, which focuses on ensuring fair access to justice for Nigerians who lack legal representation.
Speaking at the 2025 Access To Justice Parley in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of the PPDC, Lucy Abagi, said the organisation is committed to building a justice system that works for every citizen. According to her, “We are building a justice system that is transparent, data driven and human centered. What we have achieved so far is only the beginning of the transformation Nigeria deserves.” She noted that the event focused on justice, security and governance as key drivers of sustainable development in the country.
Abagi said the PPDC has provided free legal representation for over 20,009 detainees under its Reforming Pretrial Detention in Nigeria Project Phase Two. She added that these efforts have so far led to the release of 8,552 individuals who were unlawfully detained without trial. The group also runs the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme in 50 police stations to ensure suspects have access to legal assistance immediately after arrest.
The PPDC has also enhanced court processes through the Court Administration and Case Management Initiative by equipping 24 courts in Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Ebonyi and Oyo States with speech to text technology to replace slow manual recording and improve speed of proceedings. Abagi said the organisation partnered with the Federal Capital Territory Judiciary to introduce electronic filing and digital case management for faster access to court services.
In addition, the PPDC upgraded the Correctional Information Management System in 16 custodial centres to improve inmate records and case tracking. The group has also facilitated over 2,370 virtual court sittings, trained 1,746 judges, prosecutors and investigators, and distributed 3,000 copies of the Administration Of Criminal Justice Act policy manual to support justice reforms.
Representatives from the United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime commended the PPDC for championing justice reform in Nigeria. The Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission and the Nigerian Law Reform Commission also praised the organisation’s drive to strengthen the justice sector, with a call for more reforms anchored on human rights, accountability and technological innovation.