Predictors Hampering Treatment of Offenders in Nigeria’s Custodian Centres

Abstract

This study examined silent variables that influence the treatment of offenders in Nigerian custodian centres. The research was conducted using both primary and secondary data. Questionnaires were distributed to 400 respondents randomly selected from correctional institutions across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State, while the in-depth interview was conducted on 6 participants each across the selected custodian centres. The presentation of data was done using frequency distribution tables, and relevant narratives. The test of hypotheses was done using Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) and the qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study found that corruption, inadequate rehabilitation equipment and low funding strongly influence the treatment of offenders in custodian centres in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study, therefore, recommends that the government through a special committee constituted should judiciously oversee the execution of the previously suggested prison reforms, which include but are not limited to provision of the needed infrastructures that will cater for the welfare of the inmates, pardoning awaiting trail offenders that have spent reasonable number of years in custody without conviction, this will help solve the challenge of overcrowding in correctional institutions across the country.