Prisons are overstretched, over 700 inmates in cells for 300, Legal Aid Council raises alarm

From Fred Itua, Abuja

The Legal Aid Council, headed by Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar, has revealed that the cells at Keffi Medium Security Custodial Centre are overstretched. The facility, designed to house 300-350 inmates, currently holds 779, according to Abubakar. He expressed concern that this overcrowding might contribute to the number of deaths recorded at the centre in the past three years.

Abubakar, speaking after a visit to the facility, also raised concerns about juveniles being housed with adults, noting that the adults often have questionable character. He interviewed inmates and pledged to follow up on cases pending in various courts within Abuja and its environs. Sixteen inmates, charged with offences ranging from conspiracy and theft to affray and rape, received legal assistance.

Okwuegbu Egenti, Deputy-Director of the FCT office, led the team of lawyers and paralegals to the Custodial Centre. Egenti informed inmates eligible for bail to liaise with their families to expedite the process.

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Regarding the issue of juveniles sharing cells with adult prisoners, Egenti informed the Correctional Centre’s welfare officer that the agency would raise the issue with the FCT Command and the Comptroller, who would then escalate it to the appropriate authorities.

He stressed that housing juveniles with adults is detrimental, stating, “Juveniles staying in the same cell with adults is not good and also not in the interest of the nation because some hardened criminals can intimidate and corrupt them. If there are no juvenile homes in Keffi and Abuja, I am sure the government with the Renewed Hope Agenda will look into that.”

Egenti concluded by commending the Custodial Centre’s management for maintaining a clean environment and ensuring the inmates’ neat appearance and adequate feeding despite the country’s economic hardship.