In a recent high-level meeting on the Abia Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2017, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) offered a detailed explanation for the controversial ban on wheelchairs and other metallic objects in correctional facilities. This move, while seemingly restrictive, is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff within correctional centres.
Superintendent Fredrick Chukwu, who oversees the Records Department at the Umuahia Correctional Centre in Abia State, provided a candid explanation during the gathering in Umuahia. He stated that the restriction on metallic objects, including wheelchairs, was a precautionary measure to prevent their misuse as weapons.
Weaponizing Wheelchairs: A Security Threat
According to Chukwu, the primary reason for banning wheelchairs in cells is to prevent them from being used as tools of violence during inmate altercations. He explained, “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.”
While the ban on wheelchairs may seem harsh, Chukwu emphasized that inmates with disabilities (PWDs) are not being neglected. He assured the stakeholders that the NCS makes provisions for special care, ensuring that PWDs and other vulnerable groups within the correctional system are not overlooked. According to Chukwu, the NCS provides necessary support, including special attention and accommodations for women and other marginalized groups in the facilities.
Prison Congestion and Logistics: A Growing Crisis
Beyond the issue of mobility aids, the stakeholders’ meeting also brought to light the deepening challenges of prison congestion in the state. Chukwu expressed concerns about the mounting number of inmates and the logistical difficulties this causes. One pressing issue is the need for production warrants, which are essential for bringing inmates to court.
“Without a production warrant, inmates remain in limbo, as we cannot present them in court. This creates unnecessary congestion in our facilities,” Chukwu explained. The lack of proper legal documentation has compounded delays in the criminal justice system, contributing to overcrowded prisons that are already operating at their limits.
The NCS official also spoke about the strain placed on correctional officers by insufficient courtrooms. With the growing backlog of cases, court sessions are now being held in dual shifts—morning and afternoon. This system has placed enormous pressure on the officers, who must transport inmates twice a day without adequate court cells for temporary detention. “Some magistrates now sit in the afternoon, and this affects our operations,” Chukwu added, noting that the lack of operational vehicles exacerbates the issue. Abia State, which has 54 courts, only has seven vehicles for inmate transportation, with only four in working condition.
Calls for Collaboration and Systemic Reform
The stakeholders’ meeting, which brought together a broad range of participants, from judicial officers to civil society representatives, also emphasized the need for more effective collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the ACJL. Chibuzo Ehiemere, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice, acknowledged the progress made since the enactment of the law in 2017 but stressed that more cooperation among security agencies, judicial officers, and other stakeholders was necessary.
“Regardless of 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,” Ehiemere stated.
The call for greater collaboration was echoed by Justice Agwu Umah Kalu, who represented the Chief Judge of Abia State. Kalu reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to decongesting prisons, highlighting the efforts of various organizations like the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) in enhancing access to justice in the state.
Advocacy for Disability Rights in Prisons
The issue of wheelchairs and accessibility for persons with disabilities in correctional facilities also drew significant attention during the meeting. Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), was outspoken in calling for a more humane and rights-based approach to criminal justice.
While acknowledging the strides made with the ACJL, Nwadishi raised concerns over the prohibition of wheelchairs and crutches, urging that the fundamental rights of PWDs be upheld within the justice system. She called on relevant agencies, including the Disability Commission, to address the issue.
“It is vital that we ensure the rights of inmates with disabilities are respected. They should not be treated as second-class citizens in our correctional facilities,” Nwadishi remarked. She stressed the importance of developing actionable solutions to the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and emphasized CTA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community empowerment in Nigeria’s justice system.
Recommendations for Improving Justice Outcomes
Other stakeholders, including security personnel and legal experts, also offered recommendations to improve the criminal justice system in Abia State. Okorie Chinoso Emmanuel, representing the Civil Defense Corps, proposed the establishment of specialized courts, such as juvenile courts, to expedite the trial process. He further suggested that periodic strategy reviews by security agencies could enhance criminal justice outcomes.
Traditional ruler HRH Eze Okorie Chijioke, from Eluoma Uzuakoli Autonomous Community, added his voice to the calls for effective enforcement of court orders. He urged the judiciary to hold authorities accountable and ensure compliance with court rulings, particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations.
The meeting, facilitated by legal practitioner Chiemezielam Kelechi Oluoha-Steve, also 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.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Approach to Justice
As the discussion wrapped up, there was a collective acknowledgment that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to ensure that the criminal justice system in Abia State—and Nigeria as a whole—is just, efficient, and inclusive. The issues raised in the meeting, from the prohibition of wheelchairs to the logistical challenges of prison management, highlighted the need for reforms that respect the rights of all inmates, especially those with disabilities.
As stakeholders continue to work together, the goal remains clear: a more humane, transparent, and accessible justice system for all Nigerians.
