Decongesting Prisons in Nigeria: the EBSU Law Clinic model

Abstract

Due to the growing problems of overcrowding and prison congestion in Nigeria, the need to conduct this pro bono study became imperative. This study is a needs assessment, evaluation and fact finding of the challenges and access to judges problems of detainees of Abakaliki and Afikpo Federal Prisons in Ebonyi State Nigeria. Bearing in mind the UN Standard Minimum Rules and other instruments in international law, the project report generally captures the following information:-

• State of the Structure of the prisons 
• Infrastructure at the prisons 
• Facilities at the prisons 
• Welfare of the inmates at the prison 
• Welfare of the prisons staff 
• Access to Justice by the inmates and
• Other ancillary issues such as children in prison, over age in prison, nature of offences etc. 

In carrying out this study, empirical method of data collection and analysis was used. The two prisons in the state were visited and 250 prisoners responded to both the questionnaire and direct interview. Some staff of the Nigerian Prison Service and warders were also interviewed. The findings of this study were significant and highly revealing. The study specifically highlights certain issues of concern and proffers recommendations to address identified challenges. The report would serve as a national and international reference material as well as a programmatic tool for working out specific programmes and interventions to address the myriad problems facing the Nigerian prison system specifically, and the criminal justice administration system in Nigeria generally. The findings in this project are significant, the recommendations rich, we enjoin the government and development partners to implement them.