REHABILITATION OF INMATES AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES IN ONDO CORRECTIONAL CENTRE.

Abstract This study investigated rehabilitation of inmates and human rights abuses in Ondo Central Correctional Centre. These studies examined the current state of rehabilitation programs in Ondo Central Correctional Centre, identify the factors that contribute to human rights abuses in the correctional centre, evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies and practices in promoting rehabilitation and protecting human rights and examine the relationship between rehabilitation programs and human rights abuses in the correctional centre. The survey design was used. A simple random sampling techniques was adopted for the study. This sampling method ensured that each individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected, thereby providing a representative sample. The population consisted of correctional officers and inmates of Ondo central correctional centre. A total of 100 respondents was drawn from the study area using simple random sampling techniques. A closed ended survey (Questionnaire) was used titled Rehabilitation of Inmates and Human Rights Abuses in Ondo Central Correctional Centre. The findings revealed that rehabilitation programs are in place but they are poorly structured, inconsistently delivered, and constrained by the shortage of adequately trained and qualified personnel, despite the fact that inmates generally show a strong willingness to participate. Key human rights concerns such as overcrowding, inadequate staff training, delayed legal proceedings, low levels of inmate awareness about their rights, and weak or ineffective disciplinary measures against abusive officers emerge as persistent challenges that compromise both the welfare of inmates and the success of rehabilitation efforts. Policies intended to safeguard dignity and fairness are not uniformly applied, and mechanisms designed to report and address rights violations are often viewed as ineffective or inaccessible. Inmate participation in decision-making or feedback processes concerning rehabilitation is notably limited, which can weaken engagement and ownership of the programs. The findings finally linked effective rehabilitation to reduced human rights abuses, noting that rights violations undermine rehabilitation, while rights protection fosters inmate engagement and better outcomes.The study proposed strengthening the structure and delivery of rehabilitation programs, enhancing staff capacity through regular and specialized training, addressing overcrowding and reduce legal delays, increasing human rights awareness among inmates, strengthening accountability and disciplinary measures for abusive officers and improving reporting and feedback mechanisms as recommendations to address the identified gaps and enhance both rehabilitation outcomes and the protection of human rights in Ondo correctional centres.