…Allegation Not True, We’ve Reduced Congestion with New Initiatives – Prison PRO
… Over N15,000 Debt, Man Served for 12 Years
Daud Olatunji
Welcome to Ogun State correctional centres, where pregnant women, whose crimes range from debt to fighting, serve jail terms with their infants in a congested environment.
In a grim corner of Ogun State, Nigeria, behind the heavy iron bars of a prison, lies a world far removed from the hopes and dreams of freedom. Beatrice Adeosun, once a vibrant woman with a promising future, shares her story—a narrative of resilience amid despair, and a stark portrayal of the inhumane conditions faced by inmates, particularly pregnant women, in correctional facilities.
A Life Condemned
In 2010, Beatrice, who was 39 years old at the time, was convicted of murder, an act she claims was in self-defence during a violent altercation with her husband. Sentenced by the Ogun State High Court, she found herself thrust into a chaotic building meant for 800 but housing over 1,800 inmates. Beatrice, who was sentenced to life imprisonment over a murder case in 2010, was pardoned by the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, 14 years later. She is now 53.
The overcrowding in the prison was not just a statistic; it was a harsh reality that eroded the very essence of humanity within those walls. “We were more than double the capacity,” Beatrice recounts. “Every week and month, there were casualties, especially among the male prisoners.” The female section, though slightly better, was still a pressure cooker of stress and despair. The absence of adequate medical care and the prevalence of diseases like malaria added to the grim toll.
The Forgotten Pregnant Women
Among the inmates, one of the most vulnerable groups are pregnant women. Beatrice’s voice softens as she recalls the injustices faced by these women. “The police bring heavily pregnant women for minor offenses like debt. Some are close to giving birth, and their husbands, often struggling with poverty, can’t pay off the debts.” The lack of a proper system to protect these women means that they often end up delivering their babies in the squalid conditions of a prison.
Beatrice vividly describes instances where women went into labor within the overcrowded cells. “At least three times, women gave birth in the cell, including once in my own cell. We had to rush them to the chief warder’s office for help.” The newborns, innocent and unaware, begin their lives in the bleak confines of a prison, a testament to the failure of the system to protect the most vulnerable.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Despair
Despite the overwhelming challenges, rays of hope occasionally pierce through the darkness. Churches, mosques, and NGOs play a pivotal role, providing moral and sometimes financial support. “Our pastor, Evangelist Wole Badejo, was our rock. He visited regularly, offering prayers and encouragement,” Beatrice shares. These visits were lifelines, reminding the inmates that they were not entirely forgotten.
Yet, even with such support, the daily reality remains harsh. The prison food is minimal, often inadequate for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Beatrice notes, “If your family brings food, you can eat well. Otherwise, you’re at the mercy of the limited rations provided.”
A System in Need of Reform
PLATFORM TIMES observes that the tale of Beatrice and the pregnant women she speaks for is a powerful indictment of a correctional system in dire need of reform. According to findings by PLATFORM TIMES, the overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and lack of proper facilities for pregnant women and mothers are just a few of the troubling issues. The prison’s role as a correctional facility is overshadowed by its failure to provide basic human dignity to its inmates.
Beatrice spoke exclusively with PLATFORM TIMES about her 14-year experience in the correctional centre in Ibara, Abeokuta. While she exonerated the wardens from sharp practices, she raised the alarm that inmates die weekly, with many battling deadly ailments, exposing fresh inmates to these dangers.
PLATFORM TIMES’ investigation showed that Ogun State has six formations located in Abeokuta, Oba, Ilaro, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Ago-Iwoye. Findings by PLATFORM TIMES revealed that some inmates did not know why they were incarcerated, while others were there for debts or other flimsy reasons. An inmate was said to have spent 12 years owing someone N15,000 but could not pay it.
…Clerics, NGOs Impact on Prisons Congestion in Ogun
In a remarkable effort to address the congestion in Nigerian prisons, Evangelist Wole Badejo, a civil and human rights activist, has facilitated the release of 13 inmates, utilizing a combination of financial, spiritual, and moral support.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Badejo’s interventions highlight the critical role of individual and community involvement in prison reformation and humanitarian efforts to offer a second chance to those incarcerated.
Badejo’s journey into prison ministry began with an intrinsic drive to make a difference in the lives of inmates.
He has been instrumental in securing the release of prisoners by paying fines, providing spiritual guidance, and interceding on their behalf.
Among the notable cases he has handled was the release of two women detained for violating environmental sanitation laws in Sango-Ota.
After being found guilty and fined by an environmental tribunal, they were transferred to Abeokuta prison.
Badejo, upon learning of their situation during a prison visit, paid the fines required for their release.
In a more complex case, Badejo played a pivotal role in the release of Mr. David, who had been sentenced to death by hanging for murder.
Through persistent advocacy and spiritual support, he was able to facilitate David’s discharge from death row, marking a significant victory in his prison reformation efforts.
Similarly, another inmate, Mr. Paster, who faced execution, sought Badejo’s help. After intense prayer and intervention, Paster was acquitted and later provided with accommodation through Badejo’s network.
Badejo’s commitment extends beyond legal and spiritual assistance. He has also provided essential supplies such as food, clothing, and hygiene products to inmates, significantly improving their quality of life in prison.
His efforts are not limited to individual cases; he has supported groups, including facilitating the release of four armed robbery suspects who were bank staff in Ogere, and helping Mr. Kazeem and Mr. Dare, involved in manslaughter and dangerous driving cases, respectively.
One particularly touching story is that of siblings Oloruntoba and Elizabeth, who were imprisoned on murder charges.
Badejo’s intervention led to their release, but they faced rejection from their family upon returning home. Undeterred, Badejo connected them with support networks, eventually finding them acceptance and accommodation in Ibadan.
Abiodun, CJ Released Hundreds of Inmates in Six Years – Report
In just a swoop, the state governor,Dapo Abiodun recently, freed no fewer than 189 inmates this year alone following the recommendation he received from the Amnesty Committee set up by the state. The Amnesty Committee was reportedly under serious pressure due to the avalanche of requests by prominent personalities for the release of the inmates. PLATFORM TIMES findings revealed that the Amnesty Committee was under serious pressure but was being careful not to release hardened criminals into society. Findings showed that many Non-Governmental Organizations and humanitarian services, as well as Christians and Muslims, waded into the problem. Their efforts are commendable, but they have not significantly reduced the congestion.
The Chief Judge in the state, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolugas also released hundreds of the inmates since she assumed office.
…Pregnant Women Get Good Care – Source
A source said pregnant inmates are housed in two main formations: Ijebu-Ode and Ibara correctional centres.
These centres are equipped with a clinic staffed by a registered nurse and a medical doctor.
“Whenever the pregnant women are due for delivery, they are taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta,” the source said.
“After childbirth, there is a designated area where the mothers and their newborns are accommodated, with two mothers and their babies sharing a room.
“The source further explained that regular health checks are conducted by doctors to ensure the well-being of both mothers and infants.
“The law permits mothers to keep their babies with them for up to 18 months. After this period, the families are contacted to take custody of the babies,” the source added.
The source further said, “The prison system employs personnel known as ‘aftercare’ who visit the families to check on the welfare of the children and facilitate visits to the mothers.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Ogun State boasts of six prison formations, located in Ijebu-Ode, Ibara, Oba, Sagamu, Ilaro, and a newly established farm centre in Ago-Iwoye.
It was further gathered that this farm centre focuses on mechanized farming, where inmates with short-term sentences and non-violent records engage in agricultural activities.
The source also explained that the produce from these farms, which belongs to the government, is partly distributed to the participating inmates as a form of incentive.
PLATFORM TIMES also gathered that the Ibara prison, which is one of the key facilities, was originally built with a capacity for 500 inmates.
However, the situation has changed due to the additional structures erected over time, and the current capacity remains undetermined.
…No Pregnant Women Maltreated, We Have Reduced Congestion With New Initiatives – Prison PRO
The Public Relations Officer of the Correctional Centres in the State, Owolola Odukoya, while speaking exclusively with PLATFORM TIMES refuted allegations of maltreatment of expectant mothers within the state’s correctional facilities.
Odukoya stated that the facilities have designated areas for pregnant women to nurture their babies for up to 18 months, as stipulated by law.
Responding to concerns about overcrowding in the state’s correctional facilities, Odukoya highlighted recent measures to alleviate the situation.
“The governor recently granted amnesty to some inmates, and around 80 individuals were released.
“The Chief Judge, during her quarterly jail delivery exercise, released about 45 inmates,” he noted.
Odukoya said the efforts have slightly reduced the number of inmates, while he acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by the high rate of crime and the need for more prison facilities.
The spokesperson for the correctional centres in the state disclosed that, under the directive of the Controller General of Corrections, the Assistant Controller General of Corrections, Zone A, ACT Amoran, has been in discussions with the Chief Judge to find further solutions to the congestion.
He praised the establishment of small courts within custodial centres, which he said have facilitated quicker access to justice and helped reduce the inmate population.
The new Correctional Act, Odukoya explained, allows for non-custodial measures, such as community service, which are increasingly being used to handle minor offences.
“For minor offences, such as theft of small amounts or minor assaults, there is no need to bring such cases to court,” he said.
“This approach helps to keep those involved in minor incidents out of the correctional system.”
Addressing the issue of pregnant women and their infants in correctional facilities, Odukoya clarified that while it is not a common occurrence, the facilities are equipped to provide necessary medical care during prenatal and postnatal periods.
He emphasised that children are allowed to stay with their mothers in a dedicated isolation centre for up to 18 months, after which they are reintegrated with their families.
He said “Death is inevitable everywhere, but it is not due to mistreatment in our facilities. The staff and management take life seriously and do their best within their means,” he asserted.
“The service has set up an isolation centre where these women can stay with their children for up to 18 months. After this period, they are reintegrated with their families so the children do not grow up understanding the correctional environment, as they have their rights.
“On the allegation of death weekly, in our world today, people die every day. This happens in hospitals and outside correctional centres. Death is inevitable, and it is not caused by treatment at correctional centres.
“ I want to emphasise that the staff and management of most correctional centres take life seriously. We do our best within our limits, as we do not own our lives.
“However, I disagree with the notion that people die every week in our facilities. If that were the case, we would not be discussing congestion, as a significant number of people would have died. This is not happening in our custodial centres.”
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