SERVICE WORK AS ANANTIDOTE TO PRISON PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA

Authors

  • Simon-Peter Ayooluwa St. Emmanuel Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15837/aijjs.v10i1.2609

Abstract

The prison system and welfare of inmatesin Nigeria has been of great concern because Nigerian prisons are overcrowded due to the rampant use of imprisonment as a form of punishment. The inherent rights and dignity of prisoners are on a daily basis violatedas a result of overcrowding, insanitary and unhygienic conditions, and non-availability of beds to sleep on, amongst others. The aims of imprisonment as a form of reforming offenders have not been achieved and there is a high rate of recidivism amongst ex-inmates. The Nigerian government also made matters worse by not reforming the country’s underdeveloped prison system. This paper comparatively explores the prison systems in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and United States. Itexamines service work as a form of punishment and in conclusion, advocates and recommends its use as an alternative to imprisonment because, the dignity of prisoners is maintained. Furthermore, it reduces overcrowding and overstretching of prison facilities and also curbs recidivism.

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Published

2016-05-23

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