Prisons congestion: Ambode Calls For Urgent Prison Reform

With the disheartening fact that 70 per cent of inmates in the state are awaiting trial, the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed his concern about the congestion of prisons.

Governor Ambode, who calling for major reforms to decongest prisons across the country, made these declaration while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Prison Services, Lagos Command, led by the Controller, Mr Tunde Ladipo at his residence in Epe.

He said that the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy would look into some of the cases of inmates and see the possibility of granting official pardon to prisoners who had shown remorse.

He stated that the state was ready to pardon inmates of good behaviour and those ready to contribute meaningfully to the society.

“I am very concerned about congestion of prisons in Lagos State. However, there is no better time to carry out reforms in our prisons, and it is necessary, especially as regards the decongestion of the prison,” he said.

The governor also donated vehicles and other equipment to the Lagos Prisons Service, saying it was his administration’s contribution to make the prisons more conducive.

“For a State like Lagos where development is ongoing, it is bound to attract people from other states and neighbouring countries, and this means increase in population.

“We are providing these critical assistance to the prison authorities to make them more efficient and make our prisons more conducive,” Ambode said.

The Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, Mr Tunde Ladipo had earlier told the governor that they were visiting to remind the governor of their requests for some vehicles and equipment.

These, they say would enhance the effective transport and secure inmates awaiting trial.

Ladipo said that as at Jan. 31, 8,191 inmates — 7,887 male and 304 female — were in custody across the five prison facilities in the state.

The Nation reports that Ladipo said that out of the number, 6,290 inmates were awaiting trial and attending the various court jurisdictions in the state.

“The challenges toward fulfilling the responsibilities of effective prison duties are indeed overwhelming and seriously challenging especially in a state with a large inmate population like Lagos,” he said.

Two inmate, Kabiru Tunwase and Oladipupo Moshood, according to Ladipo are currently vying for PhD in Business Administration and Peace and Conflict Resolution respectively.