Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)’s Post

Hope Behind Bars Africa Calls for Urgent Action Following Escape of Over 200 Inmates Due to Flooding in Borno State. On Tuesday the 10th of September 2024, over 200 inmates escaped from the Maiduguri Correctional Centre following severe flooding. This was triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, once again exposing critical weaknesses in the infrastructure of our custodial facilities and posing a significant risk to incarcerated individuals and the public. This incident follows a similar jailbreak on 24th April 2024, where 118 inmates escaped from Suleja Correctional Centre due to heavy rainfall. This was barely a month after we launched a renovated the Inside Out Hub Skills Centre for Women at the facility; risking even our organisation's investment in the rehabilitation and reformation of the inmates. We at Hope Behind Bars Africa see this as a major setback in our advocacy for criminal justice reform. Custodial centres should not only be secure but also humane and capable of providing safety to both the inmates and the community. We recommend that the Nigerian Government prioritises the reinforcement of Prison Infrastructure, Disaster Preparedness and Prison Decongestion through Non-Custodial Measures to address this pertinent issue. Read our full statement here: https://bit.ly/3ZobIK7 #pressstatement #criminaljusticereform #noncustodialmeasures

 Addressing the Clash Between Military and Prison Officers in Bawku, Ghana: A Call for Proactive Solutions          As someone deeply invested in the welfare and stability of our nation, I am compelled to address the recent clash between military and prison officers in Bawku, Ghana. Reports indicate that tensions arose over allegations of the prison officers shielding individuals of interest to the military, coupled with a dispute over a missing phone. Such incidents are disconcerting and pose a risk to national security.        The clash between two vital security agencies is distressing, particularly considering the commendable professionalism demonstrated by both the military and prison services in recent times. Instances like these not only tarnish the reputation of our esteemed institutions but also jeopardize the safety and security of our nation.         In light of this incident, it is crucial to adopt proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Strengthening communication channels between security agencies and implementing conflict resolution training are two viable solutions. Enhanced communication and coordination can mitigate misunderstandings, while conflict resolution training can equip personnel with the skills necessary to address disputes peacefully and professionally.       I believe that by embracing these proactive measures and fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect, we can prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring. It is incumbent upon us to uphold the integrity and professionalism of our security institutions, ensuring the safety and well-being of our nation.       As we await official communication on this matter, let us collectively work towards resolving underlying issues and preventing future conflicts. Together, let us strive to maintain the integrity and professionalism of our security forces, safeguarding the interests of our nation and its citizens.    Eugene Nketsia  Security Consultant eugenenketsia0577@gmail.com

It is an indisputable fact that awaiting trial inmates constitutes the larger chunk of the correctional facilities population in Nigeria and in some other developing countries of the world. While it is logical to put behind bars persons undergoing trial in capital offences and or who may pose a risk to the society, it is worrisome why the system still makes it possible for persons accused of petty crimes and slight misdemeanors to be outrightly incarcerated instead of alternative sentencing especially being confined to community service. While we are all working to enhance the administration of criminal justice system by employing the aid of technology and making the process more efficient and swifter, it is imperative that we pay keen attention to issues like who and what should constitute an offence liable for imprisonment and then more importantly addressing the infrastructural needs of our correctional facilities. You can see from the age of the custodial centre inset that our yards needs all the possible attention. inset: Field visit to the Jos Custodial Centre, established before Nigeria's independence.

Change is coming to Kenya's justice system—and it’s happening fast. Kenya is introducing prison reforms that include a parole system and establishment of a leadership academy. It is also merging rehabilitation with sustainability, transforming the way correctional services operate. Next level! Not just that though. The reforms also require agencies within the justice system to integrate green practices into their core and operational functions. 𝟳𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 have, in fact, already been trained on environment conservation, while 𝟵𝟱% of staff were trained on a greening reintegration program. Progress! Get the scoop on Kenya’s progressive prison reforms and other policy shifts across the continent in our latest Vault Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dexjpSWB #TheVaultNewsletter #PolicyVault #KenyaPrisonReform

A deadly incident unfolded at the Makala prison in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, where at least 129 people were killed during an attempted jailbreak. The chaos resulted from a stampede as inmates tried to flee, while 24 prisoners were shot dead by security forces warning shots. A fire also broke out in the prison's administrative areas, food depots, and hospital, further escalating the situation. Despite the turmoil, authorities have stated that the prison is now under control, with no inmates having successfully escaped. Makala prison, designed to hold 1,500 inmates, is severely overcrowded with over 12,000 detainees, most of whom are awaiting trial. This overcrowding has contributed to repeated security issues, including a previous jailbreak in 2017 when a religious sect freed dozens of inmates. The government has launched an investigation into the recent incident to understand the causes and prevent future occurrences. Source: AP, Reuters So what 12,000 people in a 1,500 inmate prison is a recipe for disaster, particularly in the DRC, where law and order is already on the brink. It seems unlikely that the government's investigation will change anything as they are unlikely to be able to afford any significant upgrades to the prison. It seems likely that the DRC prison guards lack any less-than-lethal options, so they likely use deadly force as their first response. Follow us to join the intelligence community! #PrisonBreak #CongoCrisis #MakalaPrison #Overcrowding #DRCongo

The prisons in Somalia face many challenges, including overcrowding, poor sanitation and access to healthcare. If you are interested in learning more about the Somali prison system, find below the report I wrote, "Prison Conditions in Somalia-A Holistic Assessment", which gives a snapshot of key issues, and recommendations.

#Repost @yourrightscamp ・・・ Inmates at Louisiana’s Angola prison work in extreme heat on fields, facing minimal breaks and health risks. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order mandating better conditions after a class-action lawsuit highlighted the severe treatment. Louisiana’s corrections department challenged the order but was overruled by the 5th Circuit Court, prompting some improvements like providing sunscreen and frequent breaks. The harsh conditions endured by Lamont Gross and other prisoners at Louisiana’s Angola penitentiary highlight a troubling reality: the exploitation of incarcerated individuals under the guise of labor. True justice requires dismantling the systems that perpetuate such exploitation and rethinking our approach to incarceration and labor. Ending prison labor on former slave plantations and addressing the root causes of such practices are vital for building a more equitable and humane society. Link: https://ow.ly/TLAf50SPFFj

Football for Social Change: GFA Foundation & UNODC Partner for Prison Advocacy Incredible things happen when football is used as a vehicle for change! The GFA Foundation and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have taken a powerful step towards advocating for anti-discrimination and the elimination of stigmatization for prisoners through the transformative power of sports. This partnership is a game-changer, aimed at promoting the wellbeing, reformation, and reintegration of inmates across Ghana’s prisons. With the success of the GFA Foundation – Ghana Prisons Project in 6 facilities already, the second phase will expand to Ankaful Maximum Security Prison, Kumasi Central Prison, Sekondi Central Prison, and more, focusing on coaches and referees training as well as advocacy and mentorship initiatives. But this is just the beginning as the FA continues to engage NGOs, international organizations, and corporate partners to join hands with the GFA Foundation in this meaningful work. Together, we can use the power of football to create real social impact, promote rehabilitation, and build a path for prisoners to re-enter society with dignity, skills, and hope. Passionate about social justice, prison reform, or empowering communities through sports? This is your moment to get involved 📩 Let's partner to create lasting change! 🔗 #FootballForChange #SocialImpact #PrisonReform #GFA #RehabilitationThroughSport #GFAFoundation #UNODC #NGOPartnerships #SportsForGood #FootballAndJustice #MentorshipThroughSports #CommunityEmpowerment

#Repost @yourrightscamp ・・・ Inmates at Louisiana’s Angola prison work in extreme heat on fields, facing minimal breaks and health risks. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order mandating better conditions after a class-action lawsuit highlighted the severe treatment. Louisiana’s corrections department challenged the order but was overruled by the 5th Circuit Court, prompting some improvements like providing sunscreen and frequent breaks. The harsh conditions endured by Lamont Gross and other prisoners at Louisiana’s Angola penitentiary highlight a troubling reality: the exploitation of incarcerated individuals under the guise of labor. True justice requires dismantling the systems that perpetuate such exploitation and rethinking our approach to incarceration and labor. Ending prison labor on former slave plantations and addressing the root causes of such practices are vital for building a more equitable and humane society. Link: https://ow.ly/TLAf50SPFFj

Background Information: Wrongful convictions are a grave injustice that can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. In Nigeria, as in many other countries, cases of wrongful conviction have come to light, highlighting systemic issues within the criminal justice system. The wrongful imprisonment of innocent individuals not only deprives them of their freedom but also erodes public trust in the legal system. Introduction: In recent years, the #CentreforJusticeMercyandReconciliation (CJMR) has been at the forefront of advocating for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted in Nigeria. The case of Lukman Adeyemi and Ishmaila Lasisi, who spent 24 years in prison before their release, serves as a stark reminder of the need for diligent scrutiny of legal proceedings and the importance of ensuring justice is served. The stories of inmates on Death Row at various correctional facilities in Nigeria and even abroad, such as Dooly Prison in Atlanta, Georgia, highlight the urgency of addressing wrongful convictions and providing support to those who have been unjustly imprisoned. The calls for help from individuals like Victor Akpoyibo, Robert Israel, Monsuru Mukaila, Abdulai Ogundijo, and Olaniyi Adedoja underscore the pervasive nature of wrongful convictions and the dire need for intervention. At CJMR, our mission is clear: to seek justice for those who have been wrongfully convicted and detained. Through meticulous investigation, legal support, and advocacy, we strive to ensure that these individuals receive the fair treatment and freedom they rightfully deserve. We invite you to join us in our efforts to make a difference and uphold the principles of justice and mercy for all. #wrongfulconviction #humanrights #amnestyinternational