A human rights lawyer in Benue State, Gift Adike Esq, has filed a lawsuit against the Benue State Government and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Benue State Chapter over the ongoing strike that has paralyzed the state’s judiciary since December 5, 2024.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Makurdi with Suit No: FHC/MKD/CS/107/2025, seeks the enforcement of the fundamental rights of inmates to fair hearing within a reasonable time and right to dignity of human persons of the inmates awaiting trial at the Nigeria Correctional Service Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Makurdi.
Adike Esq, who confirmed the legal action, expressed deep concern over the prolonged denial of justice to the inmates. She stated that her visits to the correctional facility revealed the immense frustration and agitation among the inmates due to their inability to attend court proceedings for over three months. She also highlighted the fears of correctional officers regarding potential unrest if the strike continues.
“It is deeply troubling that these inmates have been languishing in custody without their cases being heard for such an extended period,” Adike Esq stated. “This prolonged denial of access to justice is a clear violation of their fundamental rights to a fair hearing within a reasonable time.”
She emphasized the severe impact of the JUSUN strike, not only on the inmates but also on legal practitioners and the entire justice system in Benue State. She likened the situation to “two elephants fighting, while the ground suffers,” noting the detrimental effect on the rule of law and the rights of citizens.
In a passionate call for support, Gift Adike urges all public-spirited lawyers, human rights advocates, and members of the legal fraternity who share a commitment to justice and the rule of law to lend their expertise and collaboration to this crucial case. She believes that collective action is essential to amplify the voices of the marginalized and hold those responsible accountable.
The Fundamental Rights Application argues that the continued strike and the resultant inability of the inmates to access the courts constitute a violation of their constitutional rights. Adike Esq hopes that the legal action will compel the Benue State Government and JUSUN to find a swift resolution to the industrial action, thereby restoring access to justice for the inmates and the general public.
The case is scheduled for hearing on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Makurdi.
