More than 250 inmates at the Jalingo Custodial Centre in Taraba State are sleeping on mats on the floor. The facility holds more than twice its designed capacity, according to Gabriel Olayinka, a former inmate.
Mr Olayinka is the CEO of Taraba News and SUM TV. He shared his experience after he spent time at the custodial centre.
He spoke during a visit by the newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Jalingo Branch, Daniel Saredau, who led his team to meet media organisations.
Mr Olayinka said the facility was meant for about 250 inmates but now houses over 500.
He noted that about 80 percent of the inmates are awaiting trial. Some have spent between five and eight years in custody without their cases being resolved.
Mr Olayinka described this situation as a major problem for the criminal justice system in Taraba State. He called for urgent action to tackle prison overcrowding and long pre-trial detention.
He explained that the overcrowding had become so serious that more than 250 inmates cannot find proper sleeping spaces. They are forced to sleep on mats on the floor.
Drawing from his own experience, he warned that this situation could lead to serious health and sanitation issues for the inmates.
He urged the NBA and other stakeholders in the justice system to focus on reducing overcrowding in custodial facilities and speeding up the justice process.
Mr Olayinka pointed out that delays in getting legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) are part of the problem that keeps people in detention for long.
He also raised concerns about cases where magistrate courts remand suspects for offences that those courts cannot try. This can keep accused persons locked up for a long time as they wait for their cases to be processed.
He called on the new NBA leadership to use its position to push for changes that would lower the number of awaiting-trial inmates and fix delays in criminal cases.
In response, Mr Saredau acknowledged these concerns. He said his administration would work with relevant agencies to improve justice in Taraba State.
He shared that the NBA Jalingo Branch is planning a meeting to bring together key players in the justice sector. The goal is to address the challenges and find practical solutions.
Mr Saredau said they have already spoken with the Chief Judge of Taraba State, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
These discussions are part of the new NBA leadership's efforts, which started about two months ago, to boost cooperation among institutions involved in justice.
He mentioned that the upcoming meeting would also include the media to promote transparency and public awareness of changes in the justice sector.
Mr Saredau said his administration aims to improve the legal profession and strengthen how lawyers contribute to justice delivery and development in Taraba.
He listed several priorities for his 12-point agenda, including digitalisation of the Bar, lawyers' welfare, continued legal education, and human-rights advocacy.
He also mentioned that many laws in Taraba State are being reviewed. Some of these laws have not been updated for over thirty years.
Mr Saredau sought a partnership with Taraba News and SUM TV to help raise awareness about NBA activities. This partnership would keep the public informed about the NBA's programs and promote accountability.
Mr Olayinka praised the new NBA leadership for its energetic start and promised the support of Taraba News and SUM TV.
He urged the NBA team to keep up the momentum throughout their tenure and use their influence to tackle issues affecting justice in the state.
He believes that reducing the number of awaiting-trial inmates would not only improve conditions at the Jalingo Custodial Centre but also boost public trust in the justice system.
Taraba has been struggling with long pre-trial detention. In November 2025, 13 inmates who spent one to six years in detention without trial were released after legal intervention.
In March, the Taraba Chief Judge reviewed 35 awaiting-trial cases at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Wukari to help ease overcrowding and tackle prolonged detention.
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