A probe panel investigating alleged misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is scrutinizing the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their potential contribution to severe overcrowding in the nation’s custodial facilities.
Accusations leveled against the NPF include prolonged detention without trial and arrests based on insufficient evidence, both of which exacerbate prison congestion.
During a public hearing, panel secretary Dr. Uju Agomoh highlighted Section 43 of the NCoS Act, emphasizing restorative justice at the pre-trial stage and urging greater collaboration between the NPF and NCoS. “If the police is open to collaborate with the NCoS in relation to this, we can reflect on the recommendation of the panel,” she stated.
Dr. Agomoh also stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between the NDLEA and the NCoS, particularly concerning treatment and rehabilitation programs for inmates struggling with drug-related issues.
The panel formally requested detailed lists of all NDLEA detention facilities and their occupants. Additionally, the panel has requested the police to provide information on the designated capacities of their facilities, the total number of lockups, and the disaggregation in terms of gender, age and charges, if possible.
In response, police representative Joshua Pandegh asserted that measures are underway to assign legal counsel to every police station, streamlining prosecution processes. NDLEA’s Deputy Director, Prosecution and Legal Service, Obiageli Iwuchukwu, proposed plea bargaining as a viable strategy to mitigate overcrowding and pledged full cooperation with the panel, including providing information on their detention centers.
“This, she said, would be a potential solution to alleviate congestion in the country’s custodial facilities and to provide the panel with information about their detention centres.”
Earlier in the hearing, panel Chair Dr. Magdalene Ajani sought clarification on inmate transfer protocols and demanded reports addressing allegations of fraudulent certificates within the NCoS.
The panel also urgently requested comprehensive data on police detention centers and the number of detainees nationwide, underscoring the critical importance of improved documentation and transparency in addressing the overcrowding crisis.
