The Abia State chapter of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has identified inadequate legal representation, financial constraints, and delays in the administration of justice as major factors contributing to the prolonged detention of inmates and the persistent congestion of correctional centres in the state.

The State Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council, Obinna Odenigbo, made the remarks during a meeting with the Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, in Umuahia.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the Legal Aid Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to improve youth development initiatives and expand access to justice for young people.

According to Odenigbo, discussions centred on strategies to decongest correctional facilities across the state and ensure that young people awaiting trial are not denied opportunities because of delays in the justice administration process.

He expressed concern that many young inmates remain in custody for offences that do not warrant prolonged detention, noting that inadequate legal representation and financial hardship continue to prevent many of them from securing timely justice.

Odenigbo recalled meeting a young inmate with exceptional craftsmanship, lamenting that such talent should be contributing to the state's economic development rather than remaining behind bars while awaiting trial.

Responding, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, reaffirmed the ministry's willingness to collaborate with the Legal Aid Council on programmes that offer young people a second chance and help them reintegrate into society.

Ananaba also noted that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has introduced several initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment and discouraging criminal and other deviant activities among young people in the state.