The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, began moves to decongest the 244 correctional centres spread across the country.
The lawmakers at a plenary session on Wednesday presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, called for a holistic overhauling of the system.The resolution was a sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the member representing Ikwo/Ezza Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Mr Chinedu Ogah.Leading the debate on the motion tagged, ‘Call to decongest Nigerian correctional service,’ Ogah, lamented that over 70,000 inmates in the country experienced inadequate facilities despite government’s efforts.
“Some have not been charged with criminal offences, while some are unable to pay the fines imposed by the courts despite having their cases determined.
“The House is disturbed that the Nigerian criminal justice system is plagued by flaws, with cases often lingering without resolution for years, thus overcrowding the correctional centres in various geopolitical zones.“The House is also disturbed that a data system reveals that federal offenders comprise less than 10 per cent of correctional system inmates, leaving over 90 per cent to state offenses.
“We are also alarmed that overcrowding of the correctional facilities has led to a huge revenue drain for successive governments, leading to prison dilapidation, criminalisation, and inability to separate awaiting trial inmates from convicted ones,” the lawmaker said.While referring the motion to its Committee on Interior, the House urged the federal and state governments to provide comprehensive reforms of the country’s correctional system, including modernising custodial centres, building new facilities, and redesigning the bail system.
It also tasked both layers of government to: “Propose legislation to allocate time for the speedy dispensation of justice and the number of inmates awaiting trial.”
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