Date: Monday, 9th December 2024
Venue: Lagos State Command of Correctional Facilities
On the above date, members of the Human Rights Committees of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Lagos, Epe, Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Surulere visited the Controller of Correctional Facilities, Lagos State Command, Mr. George Damola. The delegation was led by the Vice Chairmen of the respective branches, who also serve as Chairmen of their Human Rights Committees.
Purpose of the Visit
The Vice Chairman of the Lagos Branch introduced the delegation, stating that the visit was part of the NBA’s 16 Days of Human Rights Activities. The primary aim was to engage with the Controller on issues related to the rights of inmates and to discuss challenges faced by correctional facilities.
The Vice Chairman of the Ikeja Branch emphasized the importance of understanding how the NBA’s Human Rights Committees in Lagos could support the Command in resolving these challenges.
The Vice Chairman of the Epe Branch raised specific issues affecting the Epe jurisdiction, including:
- Delays in Bringing Inmates to Court: This has resulted in significant delays in justice delivery.
- Allegations of Financial Demands: There were reports of officers demanding money from inmates’ families.
- Reluctance to Release Discharged Inmates: Some officers reportedly hesitated to release inmates lawfully discharged by the courts.
Nigerian Bar Association – Lagos Branch
Additional concerns raised by other Vice Chairmen and members included the refusal of correctional officers to admit injured inmates.
Response from the Controller
The Controller, Mr. George Damola, who assumed office earlier in the year, expressed gratitude for the visit. He was joined by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, who is also a lawyer. In his response, Mr. Damola addressed the concerns as follows:
- Overcrowding:
- The Lagos State Command oversees 9,383 inmates, making it the largest in the country.
- The high number of courts in Lagos and a shortage of functional vehicles worsen the issue.
- Logistical Challenges in Epe:
- Transporting inmates to Epe courts is a significant challenge due to distance.
- To mitigate this, an arrangement exists for inmates to be brought to court once a week.
- Proximity of Courts:
- The proximity of the Magistrate Court near Ikoyi Prison facilitates easier legal proceedings without the need for inmate transportation.
- Refusal to Accept Injured Inmates:
- The Controller clarified that injured inmates brought by the police require medical reports before being admitted to avoid allegations of brutality.
- Once an inmate is remanded, their welfare becomes the responsibility of the correctional facility, necessitating precautionary measures.
- Financial Demands by Officials:
- Mr. Damola denied issuing any directive for officers to demand payments and assured the delegation of a thorough investigation into these allegations.
- Request for Assistance:
- The Controller appealed to the NBA and NGOs to assist with donating vehicles to address transportation challenges, especially for inmate logistics.
Challenges Encountered by the Delegation
Some members of the Epe Human Rights Committee were unable to attend due to a vehicle breakdown en route to the meeting.
Conclusion and Outcome
The meeting ended on a positive note, with the Controller reiterating his commitment to improving conditions in correctional facilities. The delegation took photographs with the Controller, both as a group and with the Vice Chairmen of the branches.
This engagement represents a significant step in strengthening collaboration between the NBA Human Rights Committees and the Lagos State Command of Correctional Facilities to address critical human rights concerns effectively.
Prepared by:
Ivo Takor, mni
Vice Chairman/Chairman, Human Rights Committee
NBA Epe Branch
