26,000 Nigerian children enter custody yearly, most without lawyers — Minister

Premium Times Nigeria | 27-08-2026 11:45am |

The Minister of Women Affairs has revealed that approximately 26,000 children enter Nigerian custodial and remand facilities annually, with most awaiting trial and many lacking legal representation. Government and justice stakeholders are calling for diversion programmes, early legal aid, and child-focused reforms to address the situation. The disclosure highlights the need for improved juvenile justice in Nigeria.

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