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Tag: Prison

  • PFN proffers solution to prison congestion

    PFN proffers solution to prison congestion

    Prison Fellowship Nigeria (PFN) has advocated the adoption of restorative justice as a critical solution to decongest correctional centres across the country.

    Dr Jacob Tsado, Executive Director of PFN, a Christian Non-governmental Organisation, made the call at the opening of the Fellowship’s 2025 Prayer Week on Sunday in Abuja.

    Restorative justice “is an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime or wrongdoing, rather than solely on punishment.

    “It emphasises healing, accountability, and restoring relationships between those affected by the offense; encourages offenders to take responsibility for their actions and the harm they caused”.

    Tsado said that restorative justice, should be incorporated in the nation’s justice system because it is a more humane, effective, and affordable alternative to the traditional punitive model.

    According to Tsado, restorative justice facilitates reconciliation between offenders and their victims, thereby significantly reducing the number of people being sent to correctional centres.

    He said this will help in addressing the severe issue where correctional facilities hold significantly more inmates than their designed capacity.

    “Our justice system needs a lot of help,, and so much work need to be done. Why should it be that 60 per cent to 70 per cent of inmates in the correctional centres are awaiting trial? That is unjust.

    “So, we need citizens to be aware of the things going on in this sector,” he said.

    Tsado said the PFN is partnering with  state governments to introduce restorative justice into the criminal justice system.

    According to Tsado, the Fellowship also uses the Prayer Week to create awareness of the needs in the sector.

    Tsado said that the Fellowship has made a lot of impact in Correctional Centres across Nigeria with its representatives in almost all the states of Nigeria rendering assistance, medical supplies, humanitarian supplies, legal aid, restorative justice among others.

    The Deputy Vice Chairman of PFN Board, Yinka Oyewole, said the Fellowship is adding value to correctional centres educationally, materially and in programmes to address the needs of the children of the inmates.

    Oyewole said the Fellowship also has programmes for those released, by preparing them for the next stage of life, emotionally, psychologically, financially and so on.

    He called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory,  Nyesom Wike, to partner with PFN, in reducing crimes in the territory

    Also speaking , Mr Edose John, Director of Prison and Hospital Outreach, Foursquare Gospel Church, Asokoro, commended the government’s effort in correctional centres especially in the areas of education and skill acquisition.

    John however, said there was need to do more in renovating the centres , provide good accommodation, improved welfare among others.

    Dr Elijah Ogusanya, PFN’s Deputy Executive Director, called on the government to take the welfare of the inmates seriously and support the NGOs that have good programmes for inmates.

  • Why minors are in adult prisons in Nigeria – NCoS

    Why minors are in adult prisons in Nigeria – NCoS

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has blamed the detention of minors in adult custodial centres on systemic failures at the state level, including the collapse of juvenile remand homes across the country.

    Timothy Dabit, Head of the welfare department of the NCoS, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS.

    The panel was set up by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

    Other members of the panel are: Executive Director, Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), who will serve as the secretary of the panel, Consultant Iyke of Brekete Family, among others.

    Dabit said the presence of underage detainees in adult correctional facilities often stems from situations where children were brought in with warrants from the police.

    “Sometimes, a child arrives with a warrant, and we are obliged to admit them based on that document as it contains details about the child.

    “But when such a child is sent to an adult correctional centre, we question the police about the reason, which degenerates to a matter of contention, hence relying on them to justify the decision,” he said.

    Dabit pointed out that one of the main reasons minors were admitted to adult facilities was the absence of functional juvenile institutions close to the place of arrest.

    According to him, currently, only three such facilities in Kaduna, Ilorin, and Abeokuta are operational.

    “Geographical constraints and lack of facilities force officials to keep minors in inappropriate environments,” he said.

    The NCoS official added that overcrowding was also a problem, with the capacity of the Kaduna borstal pegged at 288 inmates, Ilorin at 250, and Abeokuta at 250.

    He, however, said that due to the shortage of institutions, there was overcapacity in most cases, except at Ilorin.

    He further disclosed that of the three, only Abeokuta was currently functioning for remand purposes.

    “If you go to Ilorin, you will not find inmates or those awaiting trial. So, it is only Abeokuta that is requisitioned for that duty,” he said.

    Dabit stressed that establishing remand homes was constitutionally the duty of state governors.

    According to him, in the past, almost all state governors had functional remand homes. Unfortunately, as we speak, most of them are no longer operational.

    He, however, urged the investigative panel to help persuade state governments to restore their remand facilities so that minors could be placed in safer environments.

    “This panel will do us a lot of good if we can get in contact with the state governors. Let them rejuvenate their remand homes so that young offenders can be put there in calm,” he appealed.

    On the issue of pregnant women in custody, Dabit dismissed claims that women become pregnant while in correctional facilities.

    “Sometimes, pregnant women are brought to custodial centres. Nobody gets pregnant when they are in the custodial centre.

    “The woman is brought in, pregnancy test is conducted immediately. It is an emergency to ensure that the person is free,” Dabit explained.

    The NCoS official also noted that personnel assigned to borstal institutions receive specialised training, wear distinctive uniforms, and work alongside professionals.

    This, he said, were such as psychologists to address the unique needs of minors in custody.

    Despite the NCoS’s explanation, representatives of the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists and the Nigerian Psychological Association, expressed concern about the treatment of minors and other vulnerable populations in correctional facilities.

    Speaking on behalf of both associations, Dr Abigail Onu, commended the panel for bringing national attention to systemic abuses.

    She, however, condemned the continued detention of underage persons in adult prisons.

    “We urge the government to remove children under 18 from adult facilities. provide specialised care centres or approve orphanages with psychological and medical support,” She emphasised.

    Onu stressed the long-term psychological harm such detention causes, citing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

    She called for nationwide reforms, including the recruitment of more psychologists, the adoption of trauma-informed care, and expansion of mental health services in the correctional system.

  • How 7 Inmates escaped from Osun prison

    How 7 Inmates escaped from Osun prison

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed how seven inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar explained that the inmates exploited a breach in the facility’s perimeter wall, which had been weakened by heavy rainfall, to escape early that morning.

    Umar stated that the escape occurred around 2:00 a.m. and compromised the prison’s security infrastructure.

    Following the incident, the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, ordered an immediate investigation and initiated efforts to recapture the escapees. Umar noted that the Service is working closely with other security agencies and local community leaders in the search.

    “The NCoS remains fully committed to ensuring that the escaped inmates are returned to custody. Measures are also being taken to strengthen security at the facility to prevent future breaches,” he said.

    Umar called on the public to assist with credible information that could help track down the fugitives. He also provided the NCoS Response Desk contact numbers: 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006, encouraging citizens to report any relevant details or contact the nearest security agency

  • Gov Yusuf secures release of pregnant women, nursing mothers, others from prison

    Gov Yusuf secures release of pregnant women, nursing mothers, others from prison

    Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Friday, secured the release of eight female inmates from the Goron-Dutse Correctional Centre by settling their fines and compensation debts.

    Among those freed were two pregnant women and two nursing mothers.

    This development was contained in a press statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, who noted that the governor made the intervention during an unscheduled visit to the facility, accompanied by key government officials.

    According to the statement, the Governor said the purpose of his visit was to assess the living conditions of inmates and explore ways the State Government could support their welfare and rehabilitation.

    Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving correctional facilities and facilitating phased releases for inmates incarcerated for minor offences.

    He expressed concern over the high number of inmates awaiting trial, noting that out of 1,939 inmates, only 382 had been convicted, while 1,536 were awaiting trial.

    “I assure you that the state government will work with the judiciary to accelerate the dispensation of justice and ease congestion in correctional centres.

    “I also urged you to remain hopeful and view their current situation as a test of fate. He encouraged them to embrace positive change in anticipation of their eventual reintegration into society,” he said.

    To support the welfare of inmates, the governor ordered the immediate provision of cows, foodstuffs, mattresses, blankets, and assorted beverages.

    In a related development, the governor paid a surprise visit to the Janguza Maximum Security Correctional Facility, where he announced plans to relocate inmates from the Kurmawa Correctional Centre to Janguza.

    He expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure and general conditions at the Janguza facility and urged able-bodied inmates to reflect on their experiences and apply the lessons learned for better outcomes upon release.

    The governor also appreciated former Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (Rtd.), for his instrumental role in facilitating the establishment and construction of the Janguza Correctional Centre during his tenure.

    He reiterated his administration’s dedication to facilitating the release of eligible inmates, supporting students to return to school, and empowering others through vocational training.

    According to the statement, several inmates at both facilities expressed gratitude to the Governor for his visit and commitment to improving their conditions.

  • Nigerians Raise Voices Against Prison Detention Of Juveniles Without Trial

    Nigerians Raise Voices Against Prison Detention Of Juveniles Without Trial

    …urge FG to decongest correctional centres, juvenile prisons

    The Federal Government has been urged to take extra measures in reducing the number of Nigerians languishing in jail without trial or conviction, while the Sokoto government has been tasked to investigate over 40 minors who are reportedly facing the same fate in the state-run remand house.

    The call follows an investigative report in Sokoto supported by the MacArthur Foundation and published by various media organizations, including Daily Trust Newspaper.

    Recall that over 50,000 inmates are awaiting trial across correctional custodial centres despite the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and stakeholders securing the release of 4000 inmates last year.

    Investigative journalist Abdulwasiu Olokooba explained the plight of minors awaiting trial in the Caliphate state during a radio programme, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE, produced by the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development, PRIMORG, on Wednesday in Abuja, stressing the need for the government at all levels to establish special courts to address the problem.

    Olokooba noted that 80 percent of the children in the Sokoto remand house have never gone to court because of the lack of resources, inadequate information, poverty, and no proper facilities.

    He revealed that while working as an undercover reporter, about 40 children in the Sokoto remand facility, most of them out-of-school children (Almajiris), were raided during police operations. Lamenting that instead of the state government looking for solutions to the problem of Almajiri, “they use the police to keep them inside the cell without any meaningful reason.”

    He stated that the ugly trend of minors being left to languish at remand homes is prevalent across the country, insisting that the government and the justice system must raise their responsibility and ensure people are not treated unfairly and inhumanely.

    “This problem of children rotting away in juvenile prison is everywhere in Nigeria. There is a need for the Nigerian government and government at all levels to establish special courts to address the danger in the real sense because 80 percent of these children have never gone to court because of a lack of resources, poverty, awareness, and no proper facilities.

    “So the government should establish special institutions for these people that should be taking care of them. They should stop treating people like animals. Even if they are criminals, there should be plans for rehabilitation.

    “This investigation made me realize that even though the Sokoto child protection law provides for the children’s criminal system, none of these provisions were being followed or recognized by the state officials.”

    Olokooba further disclosed that even some children convicted and required to pay fines remain incarcerated because they cannot pay N5,000 to N20,000 fines. In some cases, their families are not aware of their whereabouts.

    When asked how many children were still awaiting trial in the Sokoto remand house, he said, “As people are leaving, people are coming in. The last time I went, there were about 47, and we were able to release about 6 of them, but if you go there today, the number is increasing,” Olokooba lamented.

    The Executive Director of Care for Legal Assistance and Human Rights Protection (CLAHRP), Barr. Sunday Adaji also called on the Sokoto state government to urgently set up mobile courts that will try juvenile offenders on the spot while urging the federal government to decongest custodial centres across the country more by ensuring full implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

    Adaji frowned at the prolonged detention of children in Sokoto’s remand house, stressing that the development was not right.

    “Section 35 subsection 5 says that anyone is presumed innocent until found guilty. It is completely wrong. I need to add that these are some things that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act was enacted to correct, but unfortunately, we are not implementing these laws.”

    He noted that the findings of the investigation aligned with a recent report of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which says that over 70 percent of inmates are persons awaiting trial.

    “Thousands of Nigerians in prisons are awaiting trial. Awaiting a trial means that they are not being brought to court for trial, and there are many reasons for that: first and foremost, it can be excessive remand from the magistrate where the magistrate feels like they should remain in remand until they can meet up with bail conditions.”

    On decongesting custodial centres across the country, Adaji advised that “the Administration of Criminal Justice Act should be domesticated by all states – as it only applies to Abuja and Federal courts.

    “If all states domesticate this Act, I can assure you that in no distant future, we will not have a lot of people in prisons,” he stressed.

    On her part, PRIMORG’s Programme Manager, Dr. Adaobi Obiabunmuo, joined calls for governments at all levels to go the extra mile to ensure that Nigerians are not detained for an extended period without trial and conviction.

    Obiabunmuo questioned the rationale for keeping children in remand homes without trial and why the justice system is not utilizing non-custodial means to punish lesser offenses.

    “The courts are overwhelmed; they give more attention to political cases. The government should do more. Presidents and governors should visit the remand homes once in a while to have a real grasp of the situation.

    “Many people steal a lot of money in this country, and nothing is done; they don’t even detain them for a one-minute talk less than sending them to correctional centres. But when innocent people are sent to these centers, they come back worse.

    “We plead with the government to please make these correctional centers work well to make it beneficial to the country in general, “ Obiabunmuo stated.

    Public Conscience is a syndicated weekly anti-corruption radio program, PRIMORG, that draws the government’s and citizens’ attention to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria.

    The program runs in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation.

  • Just in: Alleged butcher of Salome, Timileyin Ajayi pleads not guilty

    Just in: Alleged butcher of Salome, Timileyin Ajayi pleads not guilty

    Timileyin Ajayi, the suspected killer of Salome Adaidu, has been arraigned at the High Court of Justice, Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

    He was charged with one count of culpable homicide punishable by death, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria

    He was arraigned on Monday before Justice Simon Aboki. Upon arraignment, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

    The 32-year-old was apprehended for the murder of his alleged girlfriend, Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who served at Nicon Insurance in the Nation’s capital, Abuja, before her death.

    Salome was murdered when she visited the suspect at his house in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    The police had paraded Ajayi alongside the knife and machetes he used to commit the crime.

    Timi was nabbed Sunday, January 12, 2025, while trying to dispose of the head of Salome after killing her and dismembering her body parts when she visited him at his house.

    Answering questions in an exclusive interview from our Correspondent, when asked if he killed Salome, he answered “Yes”, narrating that it wasn’t planned but it is because they don’t have each other all the time.

    “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most time. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he said.

    When probed further, he said he has no regrets in committing the crime.

    He said, no. “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal that is what I thought, if you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person. You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through, that is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.”

  • Prison riot leaves 33 dead as civil unrest grips Mozambique

    Prison riot leaves 33 dead as civil unrest grips Mozambique

    A prison riot in Mozambique’s capital Maputo left 33 people dead and 15 injured, the country’s police general commander Bernardino Rafael said. This came as civil unrest linked to October’s disputed election continued.

    A decision on Monday by Mozambique’s top court confirming long-ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the election has sparked fresh nationwide protests by opposition groups and their supporters who say the vote was rigged.

    While Rafael blamed protests outside the prison for encouraging the riot,

    Justice Minister Helena Kida told local private broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest was started inside the prison and had nothing to do with protests outside.

    “The confrontations after that resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injured in the vicinity of the jail.” Rafael told a media briefing.

    Prior to Tuesday, civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide said at least 130 people have been killed in clashes with police since the unrest started.

    About 1,534 people escaped from the prison in the incident but 150 have now been recaptured, Rafael said, adding that there were prison break attempts at two other prisons.

    “We are worried as a country, Mozambicans and security forces. We expect in the next 48 hours a rise in crime,” Rafael said.

    Mozambique’s interior minister said on Tuesday that at least 21 people were killed in unrest after the top court’s decision.

    Prior to Tuesday, civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide said at least 130 people have been killed in clashes with police since the unrest started.

  • Tailor sentenced to 12 years imprisonment

    Tailor sentenced to 12 years imprisonment

    Justice  Oyeyemi Ajayi of Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday sentenced one Idris Rasheed, 23, to 12 years imprisonment for raping a woman in purdah.

    Justice Ajayi said since the convict confessed to the crime while the doctor’s report confirmed penetration and semen was found, Rasheed was guilty of the charge.

    The judge said the defendant was hereby sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.

    Ajayi said the jail term would commenced from Jan. 29, 2023, when the convict was arraigned in court.

    The Defence Counsel, Mr O. A. Ekundayo, during his plea, said the convict had spend 19 months and 9 days at the custody of Agodi Correctional facility.

    Ekundayo said the convict had conducted himself in a manner most reasonably expected of him ,and has learnt his lesson.

    He said the convict had endured the pains and agony at the Correctional facility as a lesson to him.

    He said that the convict was not a fugitive  before  and during the time spent at Agodi Correctional facility in the circumstances  of this case

    “The defendant is at the mercy of the court, based on the fact before my noble Lord, I prayed the court to exercise the judicial  dexterity and clemency on the convict, ” Ekundayo said.

    Earlier, the prosecution led by Mrs K. K. Oloso-Olayiwola, Deputy Director, Public Prosecution, said the convict, a resident of  Abayomi  area, Iwo Road, Ibadan, was charged with rape.

    Oloso-Olayiwola said the convict raped the victim, 29, a  petty trader and a divorcee about 10:00p.m while she was on her way home.

    The prosecutor said the victim had approached the convict to show her the nearest mosque where she could pass the night.

    She said it was while the convict wanted to show her the  nearest mosque that the convict gripped her neck and flung her to the ground beside the road and raped her.

    Oloso-Olayiwola said the offence was contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State 2000.

  • Court remands 109 foreigners in Kuje, Suleja prisons

    Court remands 109 foreigners in Kuje, Suleja prisons

    A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the remand of 109 foreigners, charged over allegations bordering on cybercrime, in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres.

    Justice Ekerete Akpan gave the order following an application by one of the defence counsel, James Onoja, SAN, for an adjournment to allow the prosecution reflect the defendants’ names correctly on the charge sheet.

    The foreigners, who are said to be citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia and Myanmar, were recently arrested by the police.

    They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

    In a six-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 filed in the name of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria.

    At the resumed hearing on Friday, Onoja informed the court that while conducting Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures for his clients, he discovered that their actual names were not reflected on the charge sheet.

    “This information came to light when we were discussing the possible terms of bail for the defendants We told them that the court would ask for their travel documents, and they said the names on the charge sheet were not their names,” he said.

    The senior lawyer said that he had discussed the matter with the prosecution lawyer, A.A. Egwu. He said they requested the defendants’ travel documents so that their proper names could be reflected on the charge sheet.

    He emphasised that it was the defendants’ responsibility to provide their correct travel documents for the plea and trial to proceed smoothly. Onoja, therefore, proposed that the arraignment be adjourned in the interest of justice.

    Egwu, who appeared for the police, responded that the court could make an order for the defendants’ respective embassies to provide their travel documents.

    “We do not oppose the request for an adjournment,” he said.

    Egwu also drew the court’s attention to an earlier ex-parte motion, which requested that the defendants be moved from the police facility and remanded at the correctional centre pending the determination of their bail.

    He explained that the police facility was overwhelmed and lacking the necessary resources.

    Eric Obah, who represented defendants 100 to 104 (Brazilians), did not oppose Onoja’s submission. He, however, requested a separate trial for his clients.

    Onoja also agreed that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre for their safety.

    Justice Akpan held that given Egwu’s position regarding the state of the police facility, it was appropriate to remand the defendants at the correctional centres.

    The judge, who ordered the defendants to be remanded in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres, adjourned the matter until Nov. 29 for their arraignment.

    In one of the counts, they were alleged to have aided, abetted, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime.”

    They were said to have commited the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).

    They were also alleged to have “knowingly access a computer and network and input, alter, delete of suppress data resulting in inauthentic data with the intention that such inauthentic data will be considered or acted upon as If they were authentic or genuine.”

    The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

    Again, they were alleged to have  removed “from Nigeria proceeds generated from operating a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platforms.

    “These platforms are  9f.com, c2.top, 8pg.top and you thereby commit money laundering, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

    The defendants were also accused of entering “the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a business permit of 30 days duration and failed, or neglected to leave the Nigerian territory at the expiration of the said permit and remained in Nigeria without a valid resident permit or appropriate valid visa.”

    The offence is contrary to Section 4 (2) and punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 2015.”

  • Woman remanded in prison for stabbing husband to death

    Woman remanded in prison for stabbing husband to death

    An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday ordered the remand of a housewife, Olajumoke Olalere, 33, at Agodi Correctional facility, Ibadan, for allegedly stabbing her husband to death.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, who did not take the defendant’s plea for lack of jurisdiction, ordered her remand pending the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    She, thereafter, adjourned the case until March 5, 2025 for mention.

    The police charged Olalere with a count of murder. The prosecutor,  Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, had told the court that the defendant on Oct. 30, at 9.00 p.m. allegedly caused the death of her 39-year-old husband, Oluwasegun Tinubu.

    Akinloye said the  defendant allegedly stabbed her husband  with a knife during a disagreement at their house, at Zone 5, Gbelu,  Iyana – Agbala, Ibadan.

    He said the offence contravened Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.