The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) has explained why the use of wheelchairs is not allowed for inmates within correctional facilities, citing safety and security concerns.
Superintendent of Corrections Fredrick Chukwu, who oversees Records at the Umuahia Correctional Centre in Abia State, provided insights during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on the Abia Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2017 held in Umuahia.
According to Chukwu, the ban on metallic objects, including wheelchairs, within correctional centres is aimed at preventing their misuse as weapons during altercations among inmates.
“We don’t allow metallic objects in cells because, during confrontations, items like wheelchairs or crutches can be weaponized. For instance, if an inmate uses a wheelchair to attack another, it could lead to serious injuries and an inquest, putting us in a difficult position to explain,” he said.
However, Chukwu assured stakeholders that persons with disabilities (PWDs) in correctional facilities are not neglected. He noted that the NCS provides necessary support and special attention to PWDs and other vulnerable inmates, including women.
Concerns Over Prison Congestion and Logistics
Chukwu appealed to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) to ensure that procedures involving inmates are accompanied by production warrants to prevent delays in court processes.
“Without a production warrant, inmates remain in limbo as we cannot present them in court. This creates unnecessary congestion in our facilities,” he explained.
He also highlighted challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, such as insufficient courtrooms leading to dual court sessions—morning and afternoon—which strain the resources of correctional officers.
“Some magistrates now sit in the afternoon, and this affects our operations. We have to transport inmates twice daily without proper court cells to hold them temporarily,” he said.
Additionally, Chukwu emphasized the need for more operational vehicles, noting that Abia State has 54 courts but only seven vehicles available for inmate transportation, with just four in working condition.
Calls for Collaboration and Reform
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, Chibuzo Ehiemere, praised the progress achieved since the enactment of the ACJL in 2017. However, she called for greater collaboration among security agencies, judicial officers, and other stakeholders to ensure the law’s effective implementation.
“No matter how well-crafted a law is, its impact is limited without cooperation among key players. We must stop working in silos and adopt a unified approach to achieve our goals,” she stated.
Ehiemere revealed ongoing discussions by the Abia State Government to establish a juvenile correctional facility to cater to underage offenders.
Representing the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Agwu Umah Kalu stressed the judiciary’s commitment to decongesting prisons. He acknowledged the efforts of organizations like the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), and the European Union in enhancing access to justice in the state.
Advocacy for Rights and Humane Treatment
In her opening remarks, Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of the CTA, emphasized the need for a more humane and rights-centered approach to criminal justice. She noted that the ACJL aims to expedite trial processes, improve case management, and safeguard society.
Reacting to the prohibition of wheelchairs and crutches for PWDs, Nwadishi called on relevant agencies, including the Disability Commission, to address the issue and uphold the fundamental rights of inmates with disabilities.
She urged stakeholders to develop actionable solutions to challenges in implementing the ACJL and reaffirmed CTA’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and community empowerment in Nigeria’s justice system.
Additional Stakeholder Recommendations
Okorie Chinoso Emmanuel, a representative of the Civil Defense Corps, suggested establishing specialized courts, such as juvenile courts, to expedite trials. He also advocated for periodic strategy reviews by security agencies and stakeholders to improve criminal justice outcomes.
Traditional ruler HRH Eze Okorie Chijioke, from Eluoma Uzuakoli Autonomous Community, called on the judiciary to enforce court orders more effectively, ensuring compliance by the state.
Facilitator of the meeting, legal practitioner Chiemezielam Kelechi Oluoha-Steve, outlined key provisions of the ACJL, including the prohibition of arresting relatives in place of suspects and the requirement for video recordings and legal representation during the extraction of confessional statements.
The event brought together security personnel, judicial officers, civil society groups, lawyers, and traditional rulers, all committed to improving justice administration in Abia State.
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