Reps pass bill: Convicted persons to undergo compulsory training

The House of Representatives (Reps) has approved a Bill, which necessitate convicted persons to undergo compulsory training for second reading.

The bill as reported seeks to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

As gathered by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the amendment aims to introduce compulsory counseling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offenses.

According to a report, the proposed legislation,  was sponsored by Hon. Kayode Akiolu, Representative of Lagos Island II Federal Constituency, Lagos State.

It aims to amend Section 67 of the Principal Act by introducing three new provisions, a report said.

According to Hon. Akiolu, the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria would be responsible for designing and administering the counselling and training program.

He said the training would run for at least four weeks and focus on addressing the psychological factors contributing to corruption.

Akiolu emphasized that anti-corruption training can help convicts overcome their impulse to engage in corrupt behavior.

He noted that it is similar to how people with kleptomania struggle with impulse control.

The Rep member stressed that the bill, if enacted, would significantly enhance the country’s anti-corruption efforts by reducing corrupt tendencies and promoting a culture of accountability.

Also, the proposed legislation includes a provision that enables the court to mandate convicts to cover the expenses associated with their counseling and training programs, thereby alleviating any additional financial burden on the government.

Services provided by FG to support Prisoners through NCOS

The Nigerian government, through the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS), has implemented various initiatives aimed at supporting prisoners and facilitating their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

These services include rehabilitation and reformation programs, medical care, environmental sanitation, custody, transportation, and risk assessment.

The Nigerian prison system has faced criticism for its deplorable conditions, including overcrowding, poor health, and human rights violations.

In response, the Correctional Service Act 2019 was enacted, repealing the Prison Act of 2004.

The legislation aims to modernize the prison system by introducing custodial and non-custodial justice systems.

The NCOS are confronted with a multitude of challenges, including alarming population growth, inhuman treatment of inmates, dilapidated facilities, and inadequate resources. This hinders their ability to fulfill their mandate, as stipulated in the extant laws regulating prison administration nationwide.

Prisoner’s rights in Nigeria

Prisoners in Nigeria have basic rights, including:

Right to legal representation

Prisoners possess the right to access legal representation of their choice, with the option of free legal representation if they lack the financial means.

Right to be informed of rights and obligations

• The right to be informed of one’s rights and obligations is a fundamental entitlement for prisoners upon admission to a prison.
• The information must be communicated in a language that the prisoner understands, ensuring they are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

Right not to be detained unlawfully

The right to liberty and security of person is protected by the requirement that detention in prison be authorized by a lawful detention order from a judicial authority.

This safeguard prevents arbitrary detention and ensures that individuals are not imprisoned without just cause.

Right to communicate

Prisoners possess inherent rights, including the freedom to communicate with family, friends, and legal representatives.

The right is essential for maintaining social connections and accessing legal counsel.

Additionally, prisoners have the right to be free from torture, have self-determination of personal liberty.

They also have right to privacy, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom of movement.

However, some say that the reality for prisoners in Nigeria is harsh, and that the rights of prisoners are not always upheld in practice.

Some challenges include: overcrowding, poor sanitation, violence, and difficulty securing bail.

Also, Police and prosecutors frustrating the efforts of the accused person to satisfy bail conditions.

Some recommend that Nigeria amend the Prisons Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This is to better align with international standards for the treatment of prisoners.

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