Nigeria admits illegally holding 26,000 children in prison, 30% of inmate population
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Abuja has admitted that 26,000 children are held in custodial centres across the country yearly, acknowledging it is illegal, and promising to reform the justice system, end violations, and ensure juveniles are placed in borstal homes, not prisons.
Interior Ministry Press and Public Relations Director Ozoya Imohimi quoted Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as making the disclosures at an inter-agency meeting held in Abuja to address the urgent issue of children deprived of liberty in correctional facilities.
Tunji-Ojo acknowledged the lack of adequate facilities and called for urgent action and penalties to tackle these legal and institutional gaps, Imohimi said in a statement.
According to him, Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed Abuja’s commitment to addressing pressing issues in the correctional system, with a specific focus on the alarming number of children in correctional centres and the broader goal of reforming the justice system.
“Reality, as I always say, is not about losing ourselves in the past but focusing on the present to shape the future. The future is now, and we are determined to operate with a ‘business unusual’ mindset to drive real change,” Tunji-Ojo declared.
Besides, he:
- Acknowledged the lack of adequate facilities and sought urgent action and penalties to address the legal and institutional gaps.
- Outlined key reforms to transform correctional centres into centres for reformation and rehabilitation.
- Announced the establishment of a Nigerian Paramilitary Academy to train officers in empathy and correctional principles.
- Said emphasis will also be placed on non-custodial measures for non-violent offenders to reduce pre-trial detentions.
- Stressed the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration to tackle juvenile detention and solicited active participation from state governments, as correctional services require a federation-wide approach.
- Reiterated the government’s focus on delivering results in its Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that excuses would not be acceptable and all stakeholders should focus on action and measurable outcomes.
“The future is now. We are committed to building a system that generations yet to come will be proud to call their own. Correctional services are not about condemnation but correction, and this is the path we must follow.” Tunji-Ojo said.
He explained that the 2024 report on children and young adults deprived of liberty presents a sobering reality, saying an alarming 26,000 children have been held annually in correctional facilities over the past five years.
This figure represents over 30 per cent of total inmate population, raising serious concerns about violations of child protection laws, he added.
“The law is clear, children should not be in adult correctional centres. We will not tolerate violations of this law. There will be consequences for agencies that fail to uphold the law.
“It takes a whole village to raise a child. Our nation cannot afford to fail its children. This administration will ensure that by 2027, we talk about achievements, not promises.”
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