Introduction
Reforming Nigeria’s prisons is an essential issue that impacts not only the incarcerated individuals but also society as a whole. Nigerian correctional centers are not just institutions designed to house individuals awaiting trial or serving sentences; They are an integral part of the country’s justice system that unfortunately reflects a profound social dilemma, and this raised a serious question about the rights of Nigerian citizens. The truth of justice, and our common humanity. The government has waited too long to address these issues and now, it is time to face the harsh realities prisoners face and advocate for comprehensive prison reform.
The sad reality of Nigerian prisons
Imagine a room designed for twenty people, and then able to accommodate one hundred. Since there is not enough room for everyone at once, people sleep in shifts. Food, clean water, and health care are examples of basic amenities that are frequently unavailable. This is a daily reality for thousands of prisoners in Nigeria; it is not an exaggeration.
The state’s jail system is well known for its overcrowding, filthy conditions, inadequate medical attention, and outdated infrastructure. Nigerian prisons are currently infamous for their subpar conditions. Most prisons are ill-maintained, which encourages the spread of illnesses like cholera and tuberculosis.
The Nigeria Correctional Service noted that as of 19th August 2024, the total inmate population 84,469, with over 68% of them awaiting trial. From pretrial until trial, many of these people serve longer prison terms than are appropriate for their alleged offenses. Due to this, there is extreme overcrowding; some cells meant for a small number of inmates are now home to dozens of inmates. The facilities are run-down, and there is restricted access to necessities like food, clean water, and medical treatment for prisoners, the appalling circumstances in Nigeria’s jails have serious, frequently fatal repercussions.
Numerous illnesses and even fatalities are caused by overcrowding and inadequate sanitation. Many prisoners suffer from maltreatment by staff members and other detainees, both physically and psychologically. Some people also lack access to enough food and healthcare, which can lead to malnutrition and untreated health issues. Long-term incarceration and abuse have a severe emotional toll; many prisoners develop PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
The Impact of Inhumane Treatment
The ramifications of inhumane treatment in Nigeria’s legal system are extensive, including not just the individuals impacted but also the larger community. Torture, extended incarceration without charge, and deprivation of fundamental human rights are examples of actions that compromise the values of justice and the rule of law. In Nigeria, incarceration frequently entails a journey into a society where human rights are frequently abused, rather than only a loss of freedom. These circumstances have an effect that goes beyond the prisoners. Communities are upended and families are split apart. Pre-trial inmates, many of whom have been detained for years without a court hearing, make up a sizable fraction of Nigeria’s jail population. The right to a prompt and fair trial has been flagrantly violated by this. We are all impacted by a dysfunctional criminal justice system, which perpetuates cycles of injustice, poverty, and criminality.
A lot of convicts find themselves stuck in a system they do not know how to navigate because they cannot afford proper legal representation. This is particularly true for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who are unable to pay for private legal representation. This is where the legal aid council comes through: a body created to provide legal services for indigent persons. There is a significant psychological impact. Prisoners frequently experience emotions of helplessness, terror, and despair. In certain severe instances, this maltreatment exacerbates an already significant issue by causing mental health crises.
Why Reform is Urgently Needed
Nigeria’s correctional centers need urgent reformation. The centres are overcrowded and inhabitable. The structures are aged and prone to collapse, enabling hardened criminals to escape. There is an urgent need to improve the jail system in Nigeria. The current condition of the prison system is a mirror of larger issues in the nation’s criminal justice system, as seen by overcrowding, poor healthcare, and a high percentage of pre-trial inmates. This essay examines the urgent need for reform and provides an outline of the actions required to turn Nigeria’s prisons into places that uphold justice, respect human rights, and aid in the rehabilitation of prisoners.
There has been a call for urgent reforms in the nation’s justice system in order to decongest the prisons as total number of inmates currently in various prisons in Nigeria stand at 84,469 of which 57,570 representing 68 per cent were awaiting trial persons and 32 per cent were already convicted. Apart of Government interventions, individuals, NGO’s, churches, mosques, corporate organisations should raise frameworks to reform the state of the Nigerian Prisons. Lawyers are encouraged to render pro-bono legal services to assist in the securing of the release of illegally detained persons.
Conclusion
Reforming Nigeria’s prisons is a call to our collective humanity. It is about more than just fixing a broken system; it is about ensuring that our society is just, fair, and compassionate. Prison reform is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. As a society, we must demand that our government take immediate action to reform the prison system, ensuring that all Nigerians are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
By Hephzibah Matthew-Odu
Reference
- Amnesty International. (2020). Time to End the Neglect: Protecting the Rights of Nigeria’s Most Vulnerable Detainees
- The Guardian Nigeria. (2022). Overcrowded and Underfunded: The Plight of Nigerian Prisoners
- Human Rights Watch. (2019). Nigeria: Exposing Human Rights Abuses in Prison
- Nigerian Correctional Service. (2023). Annual Report.
- Nigerian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). (2021). Annual Report on the State of Human Rights in Nigeria.
- Amnesty International. (2020). Nigeria: Time to End the Neglect: Torture, Unlawful Detention, and Denial of Basic Rights in Nigeria’s Justice System
- UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
- https://punchng.com/prison-reforms-long-overdue/
- https://www.prawa.org/nps-prawa-seek-prison-reform-as-inmates-rise-to-71642/
- https://guardian.ng/opinion/its-time-to-decongest-prisons-and-reform-justice-administration/
- NCoS Suspends Officers After Bobrisky’s Prison Allegations – AWJAI
