DEATH ROLL INMATE SURGE: THE OBLIVIOUS THREAT TO CORRECTIONAL CENTRES LIVING CONDITIONS

Abstract

The increasing number of the death row prisoners is posing an increasing burden on custodial management and welfare of inmates in Nigeria. This paper examines the effects of the surge in the number of death row inmates on the quality of life of the condemned prisoners in Kwara State, Nigeria, based on a qualitative research design.

Data were collected using in-depth interviewing of fifteen death row inmates and were analysed using a thematic approach to capture both the lived and institutional realities. Respondents were selected from the host of death roll inmates with inclusion criteria of inmates who has spend a minimum of five (5) years on death roll. This criteria becomes necessary to harvest wide responses on the subject matter

The results show that years of overcrowding have seriously compromised individual space, sanitation, food and water, medical care and the right to move. In addition to material deprivation the surge has increased psychological suffering and heightened tension in inmates and strengthened feelings of neglect and institutional abandonment. The paper also illustrates that current correctional facilities and provisions in Kwara State are not adequately prepared to take care of the growing population of the death row.

The article then suggests population management and sentencing review mechanism, scaling up of resources, and enhanced budgetary funds to ameliorate the living conditions and provide humane treatment according to the international correctional standards. This research acts as a valuable addition to the criminological and policy discourse on the problem of overcrowding in correctional facilities and capital punishment in Nigeria by placing death row inmate voices at the centre of the discussion.