In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Abuja branch, in collaboration with My Take Initiative, has secured the release of nine inmates in Nigeria Correctional Service in Keffi, Nasarawa state, as part of its outreach programme, ENE OSHABA reports.
The International Women’s Day n (IWD) is celebrated March 8 yearly; however, elevating voices and rights of women extends beyond the IWD celebration. Hence the entire month is a bustling hub of activities dedicated to advancing women’s rights and amplifying their voices for change. This year’s theme: “Count Her In: Invest In women. Accelerate Progress,” resonates deeply with FIDA’s foundational principles.
According to Chairperson, FIDA Nigeria Abuja Branch, Chibuzo Maureen Nwosu, the organisation remained steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding and advancing the rights of women and children, tirelessly advocating for their equitable treatment and empowerment within our communities.
“The 2024 theme resonates with all that we do in FIDA and we believe in our values and women should be treated right because they are important in the society.
“Our organisation is mainly focused on the protection and promotion of the rights of women and children and we carry out our mandate by going for enlightenment and advocacy visits.
“We decided to visit the female Correctional Service Centre as part of our activities to mark the IWD that was held on March 8. So, it’s in that spirit we thought it wise to go visit the woman, celebrate with them find out their needs, both legal and personal needs, to see how we can intervene or bring our support,” she explained.
Bridging the gap
Recognising the unique challenges faced by incarcerated women, FIDA took proactive steps to address the legal and personal needs of female inmates. The visit provided an opportunity to engage with the female inmates, understand their circumstances, and extend tangible support.
According to the Chairperson, numerous inmates were detained for minor infractions, such as outstanding fines between N10,000 to N20,000, or lack of sureties.
“The visit aimed to review their cases and offer support services to the best of their abilities.”
Acknowledging the persistent issue of overcrowding in correctional centers, FIDA emphasized that the custodial facility was particularly cramped for female inmates. Nonetheless, they commended the staff for maintaining a clean environment and displaying empathy rather than harshness towards the female inmates, and making the best of the available space.
“I want to believe that the place is too small for them. However, I also believe that they are making the best use of what they have. It’s reassuring to see that the Correctional staff are empathetic and not harsh towards the female inmates.
“From our interactions with them, it’s evident that they genuinely want the best for the inmates, and that is commendable,” she stated.
Addressing the visitors, the Assistant Comptroller of Correction, Officer in Charge of the Medium Security Correctional Centre, Uche Ofoegbu, commended FIDA and My Take Initiative for their gesture.
She expressed concern over the increasing congestion at the centre and voiced her hope for more opportunities like this, so the female inmates can regain their freedom and return home.
“Most correctional centres across Nigeria are congested, not just the one here in Keffi. However, my Controller General is working tirelessly to decongest these centres. The Ministry of Justice, both at the headquarters and in Nasarawa state, is also actively involved in ensuring that the centres are decongested.
“It’s incredibly difficult for women; they endure suffering, and some inmates here are innocent of the crimes they’re accused of, while others are not. Tragically, some women perish at the hands of their boyfriends or husbands over trivial matters,” she explained.
Speaking further the Assistant Comptroller said, “Women should also keep the struggle up to get into leadership positions because this is where government policies are made and without women involved in decision-making processes these policies will be made without must consideration of the needs of women.”
On his part, the Communications Officer, My Take Initiative, Favour Obaka, expressed displeasure over the development, saying that the Initiative was opposed to the prolonged remand of inmates for minor cases or over small fines.
Obaka cited unjust outcomes, overcrowding, and further marginalisation.
“This is why in collaboration with FIDA the bail for qualifying inmates were paid, the organisation facilitated the immediate release of seven men and two women,” the communication officer said.
Show of compassion
Essential items provided for the inmates during the visit include: sanitary towels, soaps and other toiletries, as well as slippers, which form part of specific needs of women in custody.
Additionally, bags of rice were also presented to help alleviate immediate concerns regarding nutrition of the inmates.
Obaka explained that the gesture was to cushion the harsh living conditions faced by inmates, including inadequate healthcare, limited access to basic necessities, lack of training, and discrimination.
“The organisation’s aim is to promote justice and equity for women, children, and the vulnerable motivated this action on IWD.
“Female inmates at the Keffi Custodial Centre endure challenging conditions such as inadequate healthcare, limited access to necessities, lack of training, and discrimination.
“My Take Initiative intervenes to provide essential support and services, while partnering with FIDA ensures free legal assistance for inmates, furthering their access to justice.
“We provided basic needs from detergents, toiletries, sanitary pads, bags of rice, among others,” he said.
Legal support
Conducting a comprehensive legal clinic, FIDA facilitated one-on-one interviews with female inmates. Through these sessions, they identified individuals in need of legal representation, assistance with bail conditions, or mediation for unresolved cases.
It was in the process that FIDA secured the release of two women whose reason for being remanded was a fine of 50,000 and 100,000 respectively.
Joining the team to the Correctional Centre A partner at a Commercial Law Firm in Lagos and member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Tobenna Iroejikwe, secured the release of seven males in support of the work that FIDA does.
My Take Initiative urged fair treatment for all, regardless of economic status, while partnering with FIDA to ensure legal support for inmates.
Empowering actions
FIDA’s Correctional Service Centre Committee maintains a continuous presence within the prison system, gathering vital information and coordinating with relevant committees to address inmates’ needs.
Through legal advocacy, welfare initiatives, and mediation, FIDA remains dedicated to fostering positive change.
Chairperson of the FIDA committee, Dr. Rosemary Chikwendu, who is also the executive director of My Take Initiative, lamented the poor conditions of the centre, noting that the government allocation is not feasible with what is seen on ground.
The need for a reform of the correctional centre was advocated for, while government’s efforts and Intervention was acknowledged.
FIDA emphasized the urgent need for systemic reform within the correctional system.
The women layers noted that addressing issues of overcrowding, arbitrary detention, and access to justice is paramount to ensuring fair and humane treatment for all inmates.
“As we celebrate IWD FIDA urges collective action in advancing women’s rights and empowerment. Women are deserving of celebration and support every day, and it is imperative that society continues to champion their cause,” the chairperson urged.
Vision for change
Dr Chikwendu reaffirmed the commitment of the initiative to support women, children, and the vulnerable by addressing systemic challenges and advocating for reforms they strive to create a more just and inclusive society.
