Calls For Modern Facilities To Tackle Overcrowding Crisis
By Vincess Okushi
The old Keffi Custodial Centre is teetering under the weight of overcrowding, prompting urgent humanitarian appeals from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACoN).
Advocates are rallying for fair legal representation for the surge of inmates awaiting trial in the beleaguered facility.
During a recent visit to Keffi Custodial Centre, LACoN uncovered a troubling reality: 23 inmates, including 11 women and 12 men, were languishing without legal counsel.
This revelation has ignited a fervent call for comprehensive legal support to ensure these individuals receive the justice they deserve.
Aliyu Abubakar, Director General of LACoN revealed the council’s mission.
One inspiring case is of a young woman who, after diligently meeting her bail conditions, was released just in time to take her professional ICAN exams He remarked.
This narrative highlights both the potential for rehabilitation and the pressing need for systemic support within the facility.
However, the challenges at Keffi Custodial Centre extend beyond legal representation.
Abubakar stressed the dire conditions faced by inmates, many of whom are in their prime years, between 21 and 39, potentially contributing to society.
The crimes within the centre range from armed robbery and homicide to theft and public disturbances, expressing the complexity at hand.
The environment here is particularly harsh for female inmates. Abubakar lamented.
He called for the creation of a more supportive and rehabilitative environment, to boost opportunities available to male inmates.
Stressing that the men have access to vocational training in tailoring, barbing, and carpentry, women are left without similar avenues for growth.
The foundation for a new building has been laid, but progress is painfully slow. Aliyu added.
Without skill acquisition programs for women, their chances of rehabilitation are slim.
Similarly, one of the heartbreaking case that Abubakar shared was a 25-year-old woman who gave birth while in custody, highlighting the urgent need for better facilities and support systems for the most vulnerable inmates.
Responding to these concerns, BC Ofegbu, Assistant Controller of Corrections, acknowledged the immense strain on resources.
Awaiting trial cases increase daily, stretching our resources to the limit. he explained.
Feeding alone is a major hurdle in today’s economic climate. NGOs try to help, but government support is insufficient.
Many inmates arrive with no family or friends to contact on their behalf, and some come in sick, which becomes an additional burden.
Adding that,
Despite our limited resources, we’re dedicated to regular visits and ensuring justice for those in custody. Our goal is to decongest these centres until crime rates in Nigeria drastically reduce. he stated.
Barrister Oliver Chukwuma, Head of LACoN’s Decongestion Unit, also learnt her voice to this commitment.
Our visit aims to bring hope to inmates in dire situations while emphasizing the urgent need for systemic reforms.
Rehabilitation must become a cornerstone of the Keffi Custodial Centre’s mission.
As Keffi Custodial Centre grapples with overcrowding and inadequate resources, the advocacy of LACoN rallies on hope.
The call for justice, fair representation, and meaningful reforms is part of a collective effort to transform the facility from a place of confinement to one of genuine rehabilitation and second chances.
