‘Justice System Failing Detainees’ — Shehu Sani Condemns Practice of Endless Case Postponements

Former Nigerian senator and prominent human rights activist, Shehu Sani, has strongly criticized the prolonged detention of individuals without trial, describing it as “unfair and unjust.”

In a tweet posted on his official X handle (formerly Twitter), Sani expressed deep concerns over the indefinite postponement of court cases, warning that such delays only exacerbate the problem.

Sani, who is also the President of the Civil Rights Congress of Nigeria and a former Chairman of Hand-in-Hand Africa, shared his personal experiences to highlight the emotional and psychological toll of prolonged detention.

“Keeping a man in prolonged detention and postponing his case indefinitely is totally unfair. I know there are sentiments and fears, but injustice is not the way to justice. A problem can’t be solved by stopping the clock. I have been in prolonged prison to know the pains and anguish of isolation,” Sani wrote.

The former senator, who played a leading role in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, further emphasized the harsh realities of incarceration, stating, “Until you experience the cell, you will never know the cell. Just my personal view.”

Sani’s comments come amid growing concerns over the Nigerian justice system, where many individuals remain in detention for years without trial. His remarks have sparked renewed discussions about the need for judicial reforms to ensure timely and fair trials for all citizens.

As a former political prisoner himself, Sani’s words carry significant weight, drawing from his firsthand experience of the challenges faced by detainees. His advocacy for justice and human rights has been a consistent theme throughout his career, both as a senator and as a civil rights activist.