From Ijeoma Nwajiobi, Nnewi
The Supreme Knight of the Order of the Knights of Saint Mulumba(KSM), Nigeria, Sir Steve Zakari Adehi, SAN, CKSM, KCSS has decried rise of poverty and systemic failures in the country’s correctional facilities, insisting correctional facilities must correct not harden.
In a Maiden Media briefing on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the KSM National Headquarters in Onitsha, the SK, Sir Adehi said “a society that only builds prisons without repairing pathways into dignity will continue to recycle human beings through suffering”, disclosing that the Order has been present in prisons through evangelism, welfare support, and advocacy for inmates held unconscionable periods without trial.
He highlighted the systemic failures in the country’s legal system as unlawful detention, delayed justice, stating that the Order has deepened its engagement in justice access, supporting indegent litigants, facilitating legal navigation, and advocating for alternatives where adversarial processes only compound harm.
“Justice must be something the poor can feel, not just something the powerful can afford” he stated.
To restore hope, trust and eradicate poverty, the Supreme Knight revealed that the Order has long been involved in feeding programmes and support for the indigent, including internally displaced persons camps.
He further disclosed that Knights remained committed in instilling morals in young people.
“Too many young people are growing up without credible maps for patience, responsibility or lawful ambition.The Order is strengthening mentorship and values-based formation across parish schools, tertiary institutions, and informal learning spaces” he explained.
He clarified that the KSM is neither a political organisation nor a pressure group but purely Catholic Order whose aim is to assist the government in national recovery.
In school, Sir Adehi emphasized that KSM councils have quietly become consistent partners to schools struggling to survive economic pressure, supporting infrastructure, subsidising fees for indigent students, and mentoring young people who might otherwise drift into despair or delinquency.
In healthcare, he further revealed that they have funded medical outreaches in rural and semi-urban communities, covering surgeries, maternal care , and chronic illness management for families who would simply endure sickness as fate.
He noted that the current state of the country did not arrive suddenly but accumulated through neglect of institutions meant to protect citizens from hardship, injustice and moral decadence.
“Across several states, KSM council are deeply involved in feeding programmes for the poor and indigent elderly people without support systems, widows, families displaced by conflict and residents of internally displaced persons camps, providing not only food, and clothing but educational materials for children and trauma-sensitive support for families navigating life after violence ” he expressed.
The Maiden Media Briefing brought together KSM Knights across the country. Among the attendees were: Rev. Fr. Dr Paschal Paul Okeke, Supreme Chaplain, Sir Dan Egwu, Deputy Supreme Knight, Lady Anthonia Ngozi Obah, Noble President Ladies of Saint Mulumba (LSM) as well as other KSM Councils.