AN APPRAISAL OF THE POWERS OF THE STATE CHIEF JUDGE IN PRISON DECONGESTION IN NIGERIA

Prison decongestion in Nigeria is the over-lapping or overcrowding of our prisons. It has become a national issue due to the dangers posed to inmates. Most recently President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill which shifts the operation of Nigerian Prisons from the Exclusive list to the Concurrent list. This is to emphasize the urgent reed for the decongestion of our correctional centres. The effect of the congestion of our prisons can cause enormous health hazards to the inmates ranging from HIV/AIDS, Meningitis, Tuberculosis etc. The Chief Judges of the various state in recent times has exercised their powers in the decongestion of Prisons within their vicinity. For instance, the Chief Judge of Akwa ibom state, Justice Ekaete Obot on the 25th of March 2023 released 45 inmates from the State correctional services. The decongestion of our correctional centres will be a welcome development as it will reduce health hazard, and the abuse of the rights of inmate who are often kept at the mercy of prison officials and gruesome police officers.