Stakeholders decry poor condition of correctional centres in northern states

Some stakeholders have expressed concern over what they described as the appalling conditions of inmates at correctional and detention centres in the northern part of the country.

They made this known at a stakeholders’ roundtable, aimed at unveiling a joint strategic plan on Tuesday in Yola, the Adamawa capital.

Mr Mustapha Tukur, Zonal Coordinator, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), said that the meeting was aimed at identifying gaps in detention facilities, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees.

“There are many cases of inhumane treatment in various detention centres, including police cells, DSS facilities, NDLEA, correctional facilities, among others, across the country.

“For instance, in some correctional centres, congestion and poor hygiene create an unhealthy environment, affecting the well-being of detainees.

“We will be visiting some states in the northern region like Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Damaturu, among others,” he said.

The coordinator said that the stakeholders, as protection actors, had the responsibility to visit the facilities and ensure that the rights of detainees were safeguarded.

“It is also our duty to ensure security agencies comply with laws protecting detainees, such as the Mandela Rules and the Anti-Torture Act, while holding officers accountable for their actions.

“Although detainees may have committed unlawful acts, they remain human and deserve dignified treatment, regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnicity,” Mustapha said.

He called on the authorities overseeing detention and correctional centres to adhere to national and international laws and treaties, including those endorsed by the United Nations.

According to him, part of the commission’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and investigative agencies on issues around unlawful detention.

Ms Halima Usman, Executive Director, HOINA Charity Support Foundation, said that the meeting would also promote human rights, social justice, and youth empowerment.

” The strategic plan aims to align stakeholders’ goals in addressing community challenges, ensuring proper oversight of detention facilities, promoting gender sensitivity, and enforcing the Mandela Rules,” she said.