In
the clinic’s interaction with those at the hem of affairs in the Nigerian
administration of criminal justice system; the Nigeria Prison Service, the
Ministry of Justice I have learnt a lot.
On an advocacy visit to the high court
in Ilorin, it was discovered that some court rooms are in a dilapidated state
with dusty floors and bad roofs. Not just that, odd items are also found in
them.
At
the ministry of justice, the Attorney-general made known some of the difficulties
faced by her team. First of such is lack of proper documentation thereby giving
detainees the opportunity to claim different names. It was also revealed that
works have started towards the domestication of Administration of Criminal
Justice Act (ACJA) as Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Kwara State. A
committee has
been constituted and recommendations are welcome.
The
AG referred to the prisons as ‘government’s guest house’ where detainees are
reformed and rehabilitated. But is the prison really performing these
functions? It has been overcrowded by pre-trial detainees who are yet to access
justice. The project by NULAI/OSIWA is therefore a commendable one.
A
further revelation of the prison’s function was done at the visit to the
Nigerian Prison Service. The Prison service is likened unto a wife who manages
her husband resources. While the Police and Ministry of Justice ensures that
wrongdoers are apprehended, the prison service ensures reformation and
rehabilitation of detainees, making them fit to be reinstated into the society.
The
clinic enjoyed cooperation of major stakeholders of the Justice system,
however, some challenges were faced. These challenges are outlined below;
a. Language
barrier; Communication was difficult as some of the detainees do
not speak English. Only few participants who understand and speak their native
language got
to interview these set of persons.
b. Having spent several months in
detention, some detainees could not provide information that will help trace
their relatives neither
could they keep track of time.
c. Also, some detainees are strangers who have
come in search of greener pastures; they seem not to understand the offences they are charged with.
d. Lack
of proper care in the prison. Detainees with medical conditions don’t receive the required attention.
I
also received training on client counselling, drafting of affidavits and bail
applications. This project has also helped improve my teamwork, advocacy
and writing skills; exposed me to the world beyond academics.
Ruth Omodara.
UNILORIN LAW CLINIC
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