The Pro Bono Centre, a non-governmental organisation known as the Foundation for Public Interest Law and Development, has urged federal and state governments to tackle the terrible state of correctional facilities nationwide promptly. Yusuf Nurudeen, an esteemed Human Rights lawyer and the Foundation’s Executive Director, issued a statement urging Prisoner treatment reforms to coincide with the 2024 International Prisoners’ Justice Day celebration. The ceremony is annually observed on August 10th. Its purpose is to raise awareness of inmates’ struggles and the ripple effect of imprisonment on their loved ones.
Recently, Nurudeen expressed concern over the fact that the majority of inmates in the 253 correctional facilities nationwide, about 68 percent, were awaiting trial. He called attention that several of these individuals were being wrongfully detained, subjected to inhumane treatment, and faced social stigma. The Foundation shows compassion for the prisoners in the nation’s 253 correctional facilities, especially the 56,072 individuals awaiting trial who have been dehumanised and stigmatised. Many have faced severe consequences due to being denied their fundamental rights.
Urgent reforms are needed to improve inmate’s legal rights and support.
Furthermore, the lack of legal representation during their trials significantly contributes to these injustices. He emphasised that the Minister of Interior should be reminded about the poor state of correctional centres. The outdated and overcrowded facilities are a major concern. The recent incident at the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre on April 25th is still vivid in everyone’s mind. Preventing a similar disgraceful event from happening again is crucial. The Foundation emphasises the importance of implementing immediate changes in the criminal justice system to promote fairness and support the well-being of inmates through education, healthcare, and rehabilitation services.
According to the statement, the organisation is urging the government and other stakeholders in the country to tackle the underlying problems in the criminal justice system, promote compassionate care, and offer inmates educational, healthcare, and rehabilitation services. The group called for state governments to pass Legislation aligning with the Fifth Amendment No.15, granting states authority over correctional facilities and ensuring adequate funding for the court system. State governments are strongly encouraged to follow through on the directives outlined in Section 121 (4B) and (4C) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended.
Police are urged to conduct a thorough investigation of criminal cases.
These measures are crucial in ensuring the Judiciary has the financial resources to carry out its duties effectively and efficiently. Additionally, the Foundation denounced the reckless conduct of security personnel during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide, which led to unnecessary loss of life. It called on the federal government to hold the responsible officers accountable. The Nigeria Police Force is urged to conduct a thorough and efficient investigation into the hundreds of individuals arrested concerning the protests. Depending on the findings, they should either be prosecuted promptly or released on conditions without delay. This process mustn’t repeat past mistakes.
Additionally, the country has poorer jail conditions than other countries, including some in Africa. For instance, South Africa and Ghana have implemented reforms to enhance correctional Infrastructure and inmate welfare. These reforms involve increased funding for correctional facilities, the implementation of rehabilitation programs, and efforts to reduce pretrial detention. The unhealthy and small environment in jails can cause the spread of infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Both inmates and their staff are at risk of contracting these illnesses due to the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
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As a result, the impact of long-term imprisonment in harsh environments on inmates’ mental well-being is significant. The stress, violence, and lack of resources they face can result in psychological problems. It is crucial to enhance Mental Health support in correctional facilities by providing counselling, therapy, and medication to those in need. The economic consequences of jail Overcrowding are undeniable. The expenses of running packed facilities and the wasted potential of individuals weigh heavily on the country. By redirecting resources towards improving prisons and implementing rehabilitation initiatives, there is a chance to lower repeat offender rates and assist ex-prisoners in transitioning back into the community.