By Osamaye James
Nigeria's correctional facilities are under siege—not from external threats, but from deep-seated corruption, mismanagement, and systemic failures that compromise justice, human rights, and national security. From high-profile cases like Bobrisky to systemic issues such as overcrowding and extortion, the country’s prison system is in crisis.
One of the most glaring examples of corruption within Nigeria’s correctional system is the case of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. In April 2024, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison for Naira abuse. However, reports indicate that he spent only three weeks in Kirikiri Prison before being transferred to an undisclosed location, where he allegedly enjoyed privileges such as access to a refrigerator and television .
This case prompted investigations by the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), leading to the suspension of several senior officers . The scandal highlighted the extent of bribery and preferential treatment within the system, raising questions about the fairness and integrity of Nigeria’s correctional facilities.
Beyond individual cases, Nigeria’s prisons suffer from systemic problems. Overcrowding is rampant, with facilities operating well above capacity. The Nigerian Correctional Service reported that as of 2023, the country's 244 custodial centers had a combined capacity of 57,278 inmates but were holding over 80,000 .
Extortion is another significant issue. Inmates often pay bribes to gain access to basic necessities, better living conditions, or even release. A report by Penal Reform International noted that corruption in prisons leads to human rights abuses and undermines the administration of justice .
Experts agree that reform is urgently needed. Dr. Leena Koni Hoffmann, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House, argues that addressing corruption in prisons requires a holistic approach, including strengthening oversight mechanisms, enhancing transparency, and promoting accountability .
Similarly, Sofie Arjon Schütte from Penal Reform International emphasizes the need to view prisons not as the end of justice but as institutions in urgent need of reform and accountability .
The case of Tigran Gambaryan, a former IRS-CI agent and employee of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, underscores the human cost of corruption in Nigeria’s correctional system. In 2024, Gambaryan was detained under dubious circumstances and spent months in Kuje Prison, known for its abysmal conditions. Despite his status, he was subjected to harsh treatment, including solitary confinement and inadequate medical care .
To address the corruption plaguing Nigeria’s correctional system, experts recommend several measures:
Enhanced Oversight and Accountability: Establish independent bodies to monitor prison operations and investigate allegations of corruption.
Whistleblower Protection: Implement programs to protect and incentivize those who report corrupt activities within correctional facilities.
Staff Training and Ethical Standards: Provide regular training for correctional officers on ethics, human rights, and anti-corruption practices.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate citizens on the detrimental effects of prison corruption and encourage community involvement in oversight.
Legislative Action: Enact and enforce laws imposing stringent penalties for corrupt practices within correctional facilities.
The corruption within Nigeria’s correctional system is not just a matter of administrative failure; it is a denial of justice and human rights. From preferential treatment of high-profile inmates to systemic issues like overcrowding and extortion, the need for reform is clear. By implementing the recommended measures, Nigeria can begin to address the deep-rooted issues within its correctional facilities and move towards a more just and equitable system.
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