A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF OVERCROWDING IN OWERRI CORRECTIONAL CENTER ON INMATES' WELL-BEING

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study A prison, commonly referred to as a correctional center, is a secured institution where individuals who have either been convicted of crimes or are awaiting trial are held. It comprises various buildings and facilities designed specifically for incarceration purposes. The foundation of the Nigerian prison system can be traced back to 1862, when Governor H.S. Freeman was authorized to appoint judges and other legal officers. This initiative led to the establishment of a prison administration that mirrored the British system, operated by officials trained in the same manner. The legal framework for prisons in Nigeria was formally recognized with the enactment of the Supreme Court Ordinance and the Prison Ordinance in 1876. Prior to that, the Broad Street Prison had already been constructed in Lagos in 1872 (Aduba, 2015). Initially, the Nigerian prison system was managed by the police force from 1876 until 1920, after which it became an independent institution. Prison overcrowding in Nigeria is a persistent and critical issue. It refers to a situation where the number of inmates far exceeds the facility’s designed capacity, thereby making it impossible to accommodate inmates in a safe, humane, and psychologically sound environment. This problem is particularly severe in prisons located in urban areas, where some facilities hold up to three times more inmates than they were built for. In such settings, prisoners often lack sufficient space to lie down or move around. Each person is allocated a small space, sometimes as small as a foot and a half (Aduba, 2015). This excessive population undermines the core goals of incarceration, which include rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration. Over the last two decades, despite a growing number of inmates, prison infrastructure in Nigeria has remained largely stagnant (Crystal, 2015). Many of the prisons still in operation today were constructed during colonial times or by indigenous authorities before Nigeria’s independence in 1960. Most of these facilities are now in a state of disrepair, suffering from neglect, poor maintenance, and the use of substandard construction materials. Newer prisons have been built in places like Gusau (1991), Kirikiri Medium Security (1993), Funtua (2003), and Eket and Oyo (2007), but they are still far from matching global standards. The belief that imprisonment is the most effective means of punishing offenders has contributed to the soaring prison population, which in turn has led to chronic overcrowding. This situation affects not only the physical health of inmates but also their mental and behavioral well-being (Crystal, 2015). Experts have consistently pointed to the delay in Nigeria’s judicial processes as a major factor contributing to the alarming increase in inmate numbers. Between 1978 and 1981, for instance, Nigeria had only 27,257 prison beds available. Yet, the average monthly inmate population was 32,332 in 1978, 34,770 in 1979, 35,332 in 1980, and 38,477 in 1981, translating to overcrowding rates of 18.61%, 27.56%, 29.43%, and 41.16% respectively (Aduba, 2015; Nigeria Prison Services, 1978–1981). Today, Nigeria has 234 correctional facilities housing about 49,000 inmates, of whom only 20% are convicted while the rest are awaiting trial (Amnesty International Report, 2022). Overcrowding manifests through various signs such as inadequate sleeping spaces, poor access to food and medical care, understaffed facilities, lack of proper segregation between different categories of inmates, and the inability to admit new prisoners without emergency interventions like amnesty or transferring inmates to police cells. Given these troubling circumstances, this study seeks to explore how congestion in the Owerri Correctional Center affects the well-being of its inmates 1.2 Statement of the Problem Prison congestion has become a global concern, and the Owerri Correctional Center is a typical example of how critical the situation has become in Nigeria. Although the facility was originally designed to accommodate a specific number of inmates, it currently holds far more than it can safely and humanely support. This overcrowding severely affects the living conditions, health, and overall well-being of the inmates. One of the most pressing concerns is the increased risk of disease transmission. In such densely packed environments, physical distancing is virtually impossible, making it easy for contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other respiratory illnesses to spread rapidly. Poor ventilation and insufficient sanitation further contribute to this health crisis. Additionally, the overcrowded conditions result in restricted access to essential services like nutritious food, clean drinking water, and medical care. As the demand from inmates rises, the already limited resources become overstretched, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, and untreated illnesses. This deteriorating situation affects not only physical health but also the mental and emotional stability of inmates, increasing anxiety and distress. Furthermore, overcrowding has been linked to a higher incidence of violence within correctional facilities. When space is limited and tensions are high, conflicts become more frequent. Personal space is scarce, and competition over resources intensifies, often leading to aggressive behavior and violent confrontations. Such an environment poses risks not only to inmates but also to correctional staff, undermining the security of the facility and obstructing rehabilitation efforts. It is against this backdrop that this study aims to examine the impact of overcrowding on the health and general well-being of inmates at the Owerri Correctional Center. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The general aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between correctional center congestion and the well-being of inmates in the Owerri Correctional Center. The specific objectives include: i. To identify the major causes of congestion in the correctional center. ii. To examine whether overcrowding increases the risk of disease transmission among inmates. iii. To determine if overcrowding reduces access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare. iv. To assess whether overcrowding leads to a higher risk of violence among inmates. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. What are the main causes of congestion in the correctional center? ii. Does overcrowding increase the risk of disease transmission among inmates? iii. Does congestion reduce inmates' access to essential resources such as food, water, and healthcare? iv. Does overcrowding lead to increased violence within the correctional facility? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study will provide valuable insights for policymakers and prison administrators. Its findings can help shape policy reforms geared towards managing inmate populations more effectively and improving correctional infrastructure. The study may also influence legislative efforts to reduce overcrowding through alternative sentencing methods such as community service or parole. Academically, the study contributes to the body of knowledge in the field of correctional studies. It will enhance library resources and serve as a reference point for future research on similar topics. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research is focused on examining the effects of prison congestion on the well-being of inmates specifically in the Owerri Correctional Center. Empirical investigations will cover the causes of overcrowding, its impact on disease spread, access to basic needs, and the likelihood of increased violence among inmates. Geographically, the study is restricted to the Owerri Correctional Center in Imo State, Nigeria. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with most research efforts, this study encountered a few challenges. Financial limitations restricted access to materials, data collection tools, and a broader sample size. Additionally, the researcher had to balance the demands of this study with other academic responsibilities, limiting the time available for extensive fieldwork. The use of a case study approach also presented limitations, such as the potential for bias and subjective interpretation. However, the researcher ensured the credibility of findings by adhering to principles of fairness, objectivity, and systematic analysis of evidence. 1.8 Definition of Terms Correctional Center: A secured facility used for the incarceration and rehabilitation of individuals who have been convicted of crimes or are awaiting trial. In this study, it refers to the Owerri Correctional Center. Congestion: The state of overcrowding in correctional centers, where the number of inmates exceeds the facility’s intended capacity, leading to poor conditions and strained resources. Well-being: The physical, mental, emotional, and social health of inmates, influenced by their living conditions and access to care and rehabilitation services. Inmates: Persons confined within a correctional facility, either awaiting trial or serving sentences for criminal offenses. Overcrowding: A situation where the inmate population surpasses the correctional center’s carrying capacity, contributing to negative outcomes such as poor hygiene, inadequate medical services, and elevated risk of violence.