Indigent residents of Plateau State long denied access to legal representation due to financial hardship may soon find relief, as the state government begins offering free legal services through its newly established Office of the Public Defender.
The newly established Office of the Public Defender seeks to enhance access to justice for indigent residents and marginalized groups across the state.
The initiative is part of Governor Caleb Muftwang-led administration’s ongoing commitment to ensuring fairness, equity, and the defense of citizens’ rights within the judicial system.
Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Daffi, disclosed this while receiving a team from the Legal Aid Counsel, on a courtesy visit to his office at the Ministry of Justice headquarters, Jos.
He emphasized that issues of fairness and legal representation are a priority for the Caleb Muftwang-led administration.
Daffi said that the new office will complement the work of the Legal Aid Counsel which has been working to assist those who are unable to afford legal representation.
“The matter of justice, fairness, and equity for our people is something that is at the forefront of our priorities. As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure that the system works for all citizens, especially those who can not afford legal services,” said the Attorney-General.
The Commissioner on Wednesday, acknowledged the challenges faced by the Legal Aid Counsel, noting that Plateau, with its 17 local government areas, still struggles to provide adequate legal support to its people.
He added that the state has a law in place in collaboration with Partners West Africa which is expected to bolster the efficiency and outreach of the public defender’s office.
According to him, with the new law in place, the Office of the Public Defender will now play a crucial role in offering assistance to indigent citizens, particularly in criminal and civil matters.
Furthermore, Daffi reiterated the state government’s commitment to collaborating with both federal and non-governmental agencies to address the pressing need for justice in Plateau.
“We can not afford to allow a situation where injustice breed chaos. The right to fair trial and legal representation is a fundamental entitlement for every citizen, and this administration will leave no stone unturned in making sure this becomes a reality for Plateau State.
Earlier, the team leader, Aliyu Abubakar, said that their visit was to sensitize the Attorney-General on their forthcoming inauguration, and commended the State Government for its proactive steps to address the systemic issues within the country’s criminal justice system.
Abubakar emphasized that, particularly in criminal cases, the majority of citizens who find themselves in conflict with the law are unable to afford legal representation.
He further highlighted the shocking statistic that over 50% of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional centres are still awaiting trial, calling it severe injustice.
“The criminal justice system in Nigeria is in dire need of reform. It’s critical that we reduce the number of people in custody who are awaiting trial and speed up the process of justice,” he said.
The team leader called for urgent reform, particularly within the Nigerian police and correctional facilities, to address this backlog and ensure timely trials for those accused of crimes, pointing out that many individuals incarcerated are often innocent and deserve the right to a fair trial.
Speaking further, Aliyu said that the establishment of the Office of the Public Defender marks a significant step forward in ensuring that the citizens of Plateau State, particularly the indigent and vulnerable, have access to justice.
In view of this, the state government has formed a committee to roll out an extensive public awareness campaign, informing citizens of their right to legal representation and the services available to them through the public defender’s office.
This new development promises to enhance the legal landscape of Plateau State and reinforce the state’s dedication to fostering a just, fair, and equitable society for all its citizens.
