The Journal of Arts, Humanities and Development Studies Research (JAHDSR) Vol.6, No.1, pp 64 – 84; March 2025
Evaluating the Conditions of Nigerian Correctional Centres and the dehumanising experiences of inmates: Insights from Afokang custodian facility, Calabar, Nigeria
1Thelma Aya Abang, 1John Thompson Okpa, 2Promise Akunna John-Okpa 3 Eno-obong
Okon Peter and 4Joseph Samuel Eni
1 Department of Criminology and Security Studies, University of Calabar, Nigeria
2 Department of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
3 Department of Educational Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria
4 Department of Sociology, University of Calabar, Nigeria
10000-0001-9984-8973 & 0000-0003-4989-3762
2 orcid.org/0009-0005-9237-5743
4orcid.org/0009-0009-7422-5126
Corresponding author: Thelma Aya Abang – thelmawasho1@gmail.com
This study evaluated the conditions of Nigerian correctional centres and dehumanising experiences of inmates in Afokang custodian centre, Calabar, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to examined the relationship between dietary intake, prison overcrowding and the dehumanising experiences of inmates in Afokang correctional centre. Two null hypotheses were formulated from the objectives of the study. Literature were reviewed empirically and theoretically to show relationship existing between the dependent (the dehumanising experiences of inmates) and independent (dietary intake, prison overcrowding) variables. Cross sectional survey research design was adopted for the study as it allowed for the use of questionnaire. A 15-item questionnaire was used to gather data from a sample of three hundred and eighty-four (384) respondents through purposive sampling techniques. The sample size was determined using Cochran sample size determinant. Generated data were statistically tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistical method. The data analysed revealed that there is a significant relationship between dietary intake, prison overcrowding and the dehumanising experiences of inmates in Afokang correctional centre. It was therefore concluded that conditions of Nigerian correctional centres relate to the dehumanise experiences of inmates. Based on this conclusion, the study recommended among other things that the government should prioritise the expansion of existing correctional facilities to reduce overcrowding. This can be achieved through the construction of new custodial centres or the decongestion of current ones by implementing alternative sentencing measures for non-violent offenders, such as community service or parole.
Keywords: Correctional centres, criminal justice system, dehumanising, inmates, dietary intake, prison overcrowding and awaiting trial/em>