The Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF) has launched a campaign against prolonged detention without trial in Nigeria, saying thousands of people remain behind bars for years despite not being convicted of any crime.
At a press conference in Lagos, the foundation announced a "March of Silence" scheduled for 26th June 2026, coinciding with the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Organisers said the event will draw attention to what they described as a crisis in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Speaking at the briefing, TBF Executive Director Olaolu Branco-Rhodes said many detainees are trapped in custody for years while awaiting trial.
“Our data shows 70% of people in Nigerian prisons are still awaiting trial,” she said, adding that many are “presumed innocent under Section 36 of our Constitution, yet punished daily.”
The foundation said the problem is often linked to missing case files, absent investigating police officers and bail conditions beyond the reach of poor Nigerians.
It argued that the current system “effectively criminalises poverty.”
The role of the police was a major topic during the question-and-answer session.
Responding to concerns that some wrongful detentions begin with poor investigations, TBF's legal team said many cases could be avoided if investigations were properly conducted.
The foundation, however, praised police officers who risk their lives protecting the public while urging better adherence to constitutional safeguards.
It called on police commanders, prosecutors and magistrates to ensure suspects are treated fairly and not unnecessarily sent into prolonged detention.
TBF said it plans to engage police authorities, hold training programmes and push legal reforms aimed at reducing prison congestion and protecting the rights of accused persons.
The campaign builds on the foundation's long-standing focus on social justice and the legacy of late lawyer and activist Dr. Tunji Braithwaite.
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