Human rights lawyer, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), yesterday, urged the Federal Government to make mandatory the use of electronic tags among inmates awaiting trial.
Ajulo said the technology address the issue of overcrowding at correctional centres across the country .
The lawyer, in a statement made available to The Guardian, emphasised that when implemented, the move will expedite the judicial process and optimise the utilisation of resources within the centres.
He said: “The current state of Nigeria’s prison system is burdened by the high number of inmates awaiting trial. According to recent statistics, a significant proportion of the prison population comprises individuals who have not yet been convicted.
“This situation not only exacerbates issues of overcrowding but also places an enormous financial strain on the government’s resources allocated for the maintenance of these individuals.”
He said the use of electronic tags would allow non-violent and low-risk individuals awaiting trial to be released from prison, while ensuring they remain under continuous surveillance .
“This will substantially reduce the burden on the prison system, creating more space for convicted criminals and facilitating better living conditions for all inmates.
“Electronic tags will enable judiciary authorities to monitor the movement and activities of individuals awaiting trial effectively. This will help in ensuring their compliance with court-imposed restrictions such as curfews, travel limitations, and exclusion zones. Additionally, it will aid in preventing absconding and facilitate the timely execution of legal proceedings.
“The implementation of prison electronic tags will lead to significant cost savings for the government. By reducing the number of inmates awaiting trial, fewer resources will be required for their maintenance, including food, healthcare, and security personnel.”
While suggesting that a pilot programme should be initiated in selected prisons and regions to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the electronic tagging system, Ajulo maintained that technology would facilitate identification of potential challenges.
He called on government to conduct needs assessment to evaluate the current capacity and infrastructure required for the implementation of electronic tagging, advising that the assessment should include considerations for hardware, software, personnel training, and necessary legal frameworks.
“Foster partnerships with reputable technology providers specialising in electronic monitoring systems. Engage with international organisations, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders to tap into their expertise and experience in implementing similar programmes worldwide.
“Collaborate with legal experts and stakeholders to develop or revise existing legislation to accommodate the use of electronic monitoring for individuals awaiting trial. This framework should define the conditions and criteria for electronic tagging, as well as the roles and responsibilities of relevant government agencies, the judiciary, and law enforcement,” he advised.
