The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has attributed the detention of minors in adult custodial centres to the collapse of juvenile remand homes across many states.
Head of Welfare at the NCoS, Timothy Dabit, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS.
The panel, set up by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, is chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, with members including the Executive Director of Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and representatives from Brekete Family.
Dabit said minors often end up in adult facilities when they arrive with warrants issued by the police, adding that the absence of functional juvenile centres near the point of arrest forces officials to admit them.
Currently, only three such institutions — in Kaduna, Ilorin, and Abeokuta — are operational, with only Abeokuta functioning for remand purposes. He noted that these centres are overcrowded, with Kaduna’s capacity at 288 inmates, and Ilorin and Abeokuta at 250 each.
“In the past, almost all state governors had functional remand homes. Unfortunately, most are no longer operational,” he said, urging the panel to persuade state governments to revive them.
On claims that women become pregnant in custody, Dabit said this was untrue, explaining that pregnancy tests are conducted immediately upon admission.
He added that borstal institution staff receive specialised training, wear distinct uniforms, and work alongside professionals such as psychologists to cater to minors’ needs.
Representatives of the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists and the Nigerian Psychological Association, led by Dr Abigail Onu, condemned the continued detention of underage persons in adult prisons, warning of long-term psychological harm.
They called for the removal of children under 18 from adult facilities, the establishment of specialised care centres, approval of orphanages with medical and psychological support, and the adoption of trauma-informed care in the correctional system.
