The management of custodial centers in Nigeria is increasingly challenging due to ongoing economic hardships, according to Ibrahim Yau, Deputy Controller of Corrections at the Suleja custodial facility in Niger State. Yau made this statement during a recent visit by officials from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACoN), aimed at assessing inmate conditions and expanding free legal services.
Amaka Agbai, Assistant Director of Press at LACoN, reported that Yau expressed concerns over the inadequate daily feeding allowance, which he said falls short of providing decent meals for inmates. He further revealed that the Suleja facility, originally built to hold 250 inmates, is currently housing 405, putting additional strain on resources. Yau acknowledged the support of non-governmental organizations, adding, “The government cannot do it alone.”
In response, Barrister Oliver Chukwuma, head of LACoN’s decongestion unit, reassured that the council remains committed to easing the overcrowding in custodial centers. He highlighted the Director General, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar’s call for adopting virtual hearings to help reduce operational costs significantly.
During the visit, the LACoN team engaged with former clients and updated them on the progress of their cases, facilitating further steps in meeting their bail requirements. They also interviewed 32 inmates, aged 18 to 35, who face allegations including theft, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, trespass, and joint negligence.
