Muslim Rights Concern of Nigeria (MURIC)
Kaaba

Headquarters Address

Tele-Dawah Plaza,
Zone 'E', GRA, Iba Estate,
Iba, Lagos State,
Nigeria

P.O. Box 10211,
LASU Post Office,
HO 102 001,
Ojo, Lagos State,
Nigeria.

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234-803-346-4974
234-1-470-3866
 
 
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In the Name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Press Release: MURIC CALLS FOR DECONGESTION OF PRISONS 1st August, 2006

The recent revelation that 85% of inmates of Ikoyi prison are awaiting trials is very disturbing. The possibility of an equally high percentage of those awaiting trial being innocent is also very high given the present limitations of our judicial system. Almost all our prisons are congested. Things are so bad that prisoners sleep in turns on bare floor!

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) rejects this barbaric and inhuman treatment of prisoners. Prisons are supposed to be centers for the reformation of character, for the reengineering of the human mind and for the refocusing of the young. Prisons may serve as deterrents for future offenders but punitive measure is not the ultimate goal.

MURIC calls attention to the appalling situation in the prisons. We warn that our prisons are fast becoming recruitment centers for armed robbery, advance fee fraud and other anti-social habits. We condemn the denial of access to justice which many inmates who are awaiting trial are currently experiencing. We also call attention to constant attacks on prison yards by rioters. We strongly suspect that such attacks occur because people are frustrated by our procrastinating judicial system which keeps thousands awaiting trial for years.

We assert clearly and unequivocally that delays in trials constitute flagrant violation of Allah-given and fundamental rights of every inmate. It is a rape of democratic ethos and a contravention of the rule of law and natural justice. We wonder why every successive regime in this country has always promised to build more jails and renovate existing ones but little or nothing is done at the end of the day.

MURIC regards this as irresponsible leadership. We therefore charge the authorities to fear Allah. Nigerian leaders must realize that they are representatives (khalifah) of Allah in the country. They will render account to Allah on the Last Day (yawm al-Qiyamah) concerning how they led Nigerians. Leaders must keep their promises and show mercy to the citizenry. Allah is a God of mercy (Qur’an 1:1-2). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) affirmed that those in heaven will not show mercy to those who fail to be merciful to their fellowmen. The time to show mercy to prisoners is now.

 

Dr. Is-haq Akintola
DIRECTOR
 
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