THE STATE OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA 2005 - UNDP Nigeria ...

BeddingsAt the male cells, only the Convicted Criminals and some ATMs had bed, mattresses and blankets buta great majority slept on mattresses, mats and blankets only. There were beds in the store, but due tolack of space, they could not be put to use.At the female cells, all inmates had beds and mattresses.Health care FacilitiesThe prison has a clinic headed by a doctor assisted by somenurses and a midwife. There was a pharmacy though the officer in charge complained of insufficientsupply of drugs. Psychiatric and serious surgical cases were referred to University of Port HarcourtTeaching Hospital. The prison clinic provides adequate treatment for inmates with tuberculosis, whilethose with HIV /AIDS are provided with anti retro­viral drugs. According to the medical doctor in­chargeof the clinic, scabies had greatly reduced due to health campaigns and better hygiene.Recreational FacilitiesThe prison uses its main yard as a football pitch. There were cards, draughts and ludo games whichinmates play. Inmates read their books in the welfare officer’s office. Corporate organizations,individuals and the Ministry of Internal Affairs donated these books.Vocational FacilitiesThere were workshops for carpentry, tailoring, blacksmithing and shoe making for the male inmateswhile there were baking and tailoring workshops for the female inmates. The various workshops hadsufficient materials for inmates to use.WOMEN AND CHILDRENThere were 29 female inmates out of which 3 were pregnant.4 of the female inmates were convicts while 25 were awaiting trial.Juliet Egwu, aged 25, had spent 5months in prison custody and was about 5 months pregnant. Shewas charged for robbery and had been to court only once. She stated that she was pregnant beforecoming to the prison.Best Medo, aged 32, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, for stealing bracelets. She has sinceappealed against the conviction.Ifeoma Patrick Ani, aged 16 had spent two months and four days in custody. She is standing trial forconspiracy before Magistrate’s Court 1 Elimgbu. She had no legal representation.ThankGod Iroegbu aged 14, charged for cultism has spent about 5 months in custody. He had notbeen taken to a court of competent jurisdiction and was awaiting the advice of the Director of PublicProsecution (DPP) on the matter.VISITORS’ BOOKThe visitors’ books were properly kept. They contained records of visitors such as judicial officers, legalpractitioners, corporate organizations and personal visitors to inmates. The record showed that theChief Judge of Rivers State paid a visit in May 2006, while the Comptroller of Prisons Rivers StateCommand paid regular visits to the prison.33