In January, we proudly hosted a webinar titled “Behind the Bars: Interrogating Nigeria’s Rising Inmate Population,” with generous support from the Norway Embassy in Abuja. This event brought together a diverse group of criminal justice actors, experts, and officials from the Nigerian Correctional Service headquarters in Abuja.The discussion was firmly rooted in the current realities confronting Nigeria’s correctional facilities, where institutions originally designed to accommodate a limited number of inmates are now severely overcrowded. Our keynote speaker, Professor Etannibi Alemika, provided an unvarnished look at the challenges correctional officers face, detailing the daily struggles within these overcrowded environments.

Panellist Dorcas Anaja illuminated the dire circumstances, noting that facilities meant for 300 inmates now accommodate over 700, with the majority of these inmates awaiting trial. Her insights underscored the profound connection between poverty and crime, illustrating the broader socio-economic factors at play.

Barrister Lawrence Ojo Gabriel highlighted the critical need for accountability throughout the criminal justice system. He emphasized how arresting officers and early decision-making significantly influence outcomes, stressing the importance of a fair process from the onset.

Further enriching the dialogue, Felix Agada, Controller of Corrections for the Gombe State Command, provided practical insights based on his firsthand experiences, underscoring operational challenges and potential pathways to improvement.

This engaging conversation reiterated a fundamental truth: Nigeria’s rising inmate population involves more than just statistics. It is about human lives, justice, and the shared responsibility of all stakeholders within the justice system to seek equitable solutions.