Pollrite23 Project
In line with the goals of CAPIO Pollrite23 project which is geared towards promoting advocacy and political participation of inmates in Nigeria, CAPIO Nigeria on the 15th January, trained inmates (male and female) in Enugu maximum security custodial Centre, on advocacy and media. The training lasted three sessions, which was strategized towards building the capacity of inmates in the various forms of advocacy and its approaches, towards effectively communicating their needs using appropriate channels. In the same vein, ex-inmates were equally trained on the 7th and 8th of May, to be champions, building on their experiences in the custodial center and as right-holders.
In furtherance with Inmates rights to participate in electoral processes which shapes CAPIO Pollrite23 project, CAPIO Nigeria held a one-day stakeholder roundtable on inmate voting in Nigeria. In attendance were representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, National Human Rights Commission, Deputy Clerk of the Federal House of Representatives National Assembly, Senior Legislative Adviser (SLA) to Hon. Balogun, Oxfam in Nigeria, Voice, YIAGA Africa, Centre for People Advocacy and Sustainable Development, Grassroot Centre, Fix Politics, CILAC, IRIAD, Cognito, among other organizations.
In the remarks of the representatives of INEC Chairman, Prof Bolade Eyinla and Prof Mohammed Kuna, expressed the willingness of the Commission to ensure that inmates right to vote are upheld, and stated the Commission’s readiness to validate the electoral framework for inmate voting in Nigeria, which was developed with stakeholders under the Pollrite23 project. The Controller of Correction Ops -Ibrahim Usman, who represented the Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, expressed the eagerness of the service to support inmate voting in Nigeria.
Mr. Anthony Ubani the Executive Director of Fix Politics pointed out that democracy is decelerating, the space is shrinking, and there is significant threat daily against democracy, he therefore stated that it is important to enforce diaspora and inmates voting rights in Nigeria. He called for improved advocacy using various platforms, and for inclusive participation of citizens who will demand for the voting right for inmates and people living in diaspora. The event was an avenue to secure the buy-in and commitment of relevant stakeholders towards promoting efforts at ensuring an enabling environment for inmate voting in Nigeria.
Mr. Anthony Ubani the Executive Director of Fix Politics pointed out that democracy is decelerating, the space is shrinking, and there is significant threat daily against democracy, he therefore stated that it is important to enforce diaspora and inmates voting rights in Nigeria. He called for improved advocacy using various platforms, and for inclusive participation of citizens who will demand for the voting right for inmates and people living in diaspora. The event was an avenue to secure the buy-in and commitment of relevant stakeholders towards promoting efforts at ensuring an enabling environment for inmate voting in Nigeria.
On the 9th of May 2024, CAPIO Nigeria in collaboration with YIAGA Africa, INEC, Nigerian Correctional Service and other stakeholders, held a one-day validation of the electoral framework for inmate (EFI) voting in Nigeria. The validation exercise which was well attended was an opportunity for stakeholders to suggest modalities that will enable inmate voting to be a success in Nigeria. The EFI was validated and moved to Committee stage to finetune and incorporate feedback from stakeholders before forwarding to INEC.
CAPIO Nigeria has submitted a bill to the House of Representative Constitution amendment Committee and published a press release on inmate voting in Nigeria. In the same vein, CAPIO has developed a documentary on Inmate voting Rights in Nigeria, of which relevant stakeholders participated in it’s development (Nigerian Correctional Service, Legal practitioners, and selected members of the public). The developed documentary will soon be aired through TV stations. The PollRite23 project is funded by Voice Nigeria.
FIRC – Action Aid, Misean Cara, VOICE
Female Inmate and Returned Citizen (FIRC) project is a brainchild of CAPIO targeted at having right-holders (ex-inmates) make the best of their lives through capacity development and interventions which improve the welfare of inmates in custodial Centres across Nigeria.
FIRC Misean Cara
In furtherance of the training of more female inmates on the production of reusable sanitary pads (Female Inmates and Returned Citizens Project) in Nigeria, CAPIO Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the Ebonyi State Controller of Correction on Friday 12th January 2024. The team was warmly received by Mr. Anthony Chigbata.
The Executive Director of the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) Rev Fr. Jude Isiguzo (OCD) introduced the project which will be implemented in Abakiliki custodial centre. The project was welcomed and approved by the Controller who accompanied the CAPIO team to the Abakiliki custodial centre, and introduced CAPIO and the project to the Officer-in-Charge Mr. B.N. Oyoko. The visit was an avenue to access information about inmates in Ebonyi state Custodial Centres with an option of fine. The Ebonyi State Controller, State PRO, Officer-in-Charge of Abakiliki custodial Centre, and other key staff of the custodial centre showed the CAPIO team the workshop which will be used for the training. The Officer-in-charge used the visit to appreciate CAPIO for her continual support to the custodial centre.
The training of female inmates in Ebonyi state on the production of reusable sanitary pads is proudly funded by Misean Cara
On Tuesday, 13th February 2024, Female Inmate and Return Citizens (FIRC) with technical support from Capio Nigeria held a one-day project planning meeting with stakeholders in Awka, Anambra State. The project focuses on improving menstrual hygiene and access to self-reliance for female inmates and ex-inmates in Nigeria. The Executive Director of the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) delivered the opening remark tracing the inception of FIRC project to be an offshoot on of interest of ex-inmates to enhance the current welfare of inmates as they are conversant with their challenges. The first FIRC project conducted in Suleja was a huge success as Lucy Dangana a beneficiary and now a trainer who leads FIRC projects, work with other returned female inmates to replicate the project in other Custodial Centres across Nigeria. The Project Manager, Mr. Godwin Ugbor gave a breakdown of the project objective and work plan. He stated that the project has 2 arms. The first is to train ten (10) trainers who are inmates in the Custodial Centre on reusable pad production for 1month. After which the trainers will step down the training received to other female inmates within the custodial centre which is expected to last for 3months.
The second arm is to establish a workshop for the ex-inmate with the town which will serve a business workshop and will also engage other ex- inmates who would seek to acquire the skills.
Questions were raised during the general discussion which include the flexibility of the project to accommodate female officers who expressed willingness to be involved in the training, as well as Male inmate. Clarification were made on these issues and the project sustainability plan.
The Deputy Controller of Corrections and Officer-in-Charge of Onitsha Custodial Centre, Mr. Sam Igwe expressed his delight in having FIRC project implemented in Onitsha Custodial Centre and expressed the commitment of his team to support the successful delivery of the project in the Onitsha Custodial Center.
This project is proudly funded by Misean Cara
Non-custodial – Misean Cara
Pursuant to the provision of section 469 of Enugu State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2017 which empowers the court with or without conditions to sentence offender to perform specified services to their community.
CAPIO Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the Hon. Commissioner of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Prof. Sam C. Ugwu and the Acting Director of Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) Mr Richard Onaga on 30th and 31st Jan. respectively, to discuss the support of his commission and agency in the implementation of non-custodial sentence in Enugu state. The Honorable Commissioner and Director received the team and appreciated the work CAPIO is doing in the society and expressed their willingness to work with the Judiciary and other agencies.
CAPIO equally paid a courtesy visit with the Ministry of Environment, the Attorney General of Enugu State, Dr. Kingsley T. Udeh, and the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Justice A. R. Ozoemena for the implementation of non-custodial sentence in Enugu state. With key stakeholders on board for the implementation of non-custodial sentences in Enugu State, the project has started on good footing and we appreciate Misean Cara for funding the project.
The Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) on the 18th of March 2024 engaged stakeholders in the Criminal Justice sector towards the effective implementation of non-custodial measures as contained in section 469 of Enugu State 2017 ACJL.
The program was well attended by Judges, Magistrates, the Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian correctional service, different chapters of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Lawyers, as well as the Nigerian police force, State Security Service, CSOs, and other stakeholders. While some Judges and Magistrates have commenced non-custodial sentencing, they pointed out gaps that needs to be addressed in a framework developed by CAPIO. The meeting was an avenue to inform and secure the support of relevant stakeholders on effective implementation of non-custodial sentencing in Enugu State.
In the same vein, the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) in collaboration with the Enugu Justice Reform Team (ESJRT) organized a one-day validation exercise for the developed framework for non-custodial sentencing in Enugu state. The event which was well attended, received input from stakeholders who took ownership of the initiative and the implementation of non-custodial measures in Enugu state. The draft framework was adopted by the Enugu state Chief Judge. This project is proudly sponsored by Misean Cara.
Donation by CAPIO Nigeria to Enugu Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service
The Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) team led by the Deputy Director Rev. Fr. Kusimo Tosin on the 1st of March 2024, donated a desktop workstation and printer to the Enugu State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The donation is in response to the request from the Enugu State Headquarters of the Nigeria Correctional Service, soliciting for a computer and a generating set from CAPIO which will ease administrative functioning of their duties. Through the donation of a workstation and a printer, will improve documentation, services to inmates and partnering organizations.
In CAPIO, we remain committed towards strengthening existing system and improving the criminal service sector in Nigeria.
Centre of Hope Project
With five (5) years support of CEI coming to an end in 2024, CAPIO Nigeria appreciates the support of Catholica Episcopal Conferenza Italiana in the implementation of CAPIO Centre of Hope project. The Centre of Hope project is a half-way home for ex-inmates and juveniles to improve their skills prior to being released into the society. The centre currently has the administrative block, auditorium, dinning, staff quarters, male and female hostel, as well as farm house. External work and tiling of male hostel is currently ongoing.
CAPIO Nigeria remain grateful to stakeholders who have so far contributed to the success of the Centre of Hope project and solicit for further support from the public. The Centre should be operational soon.
Success Story
Fine Payment
Through support from Voice, CAPIO Nigeria provided professional legal representation and secured the release of four (4) inmates through payment of fines.
Sunday who is a grandfather,hails from Oduma town, in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. He is a carpenter and a farmer, married with adult children and lives with his family at their family compound at Oduma, before he was arrested and charged for child trafficking in December 2020.
Sometime in December 2020, he was at his carpentry workshop when police men from the Nnewe Police Station came and arrested him on the allegation of child trafficking. He was surprised when he was accused for child trafficking given that he had no discussions or dealings with anybody. On his enquiries from the police on who the complainant was, he was told that a lady named him as a party in the movement of a young lady from Oduma to Lagos. Mr Sunday denied the allegations and all his stories and facts on his innocence were rebuffed by the police.
Sunday was transferred from the Nnenwe Police Station to The State CID Enugu, from where he was arraigned at the Magistrate Court Enugu on 24/3/2021 on the charge of child trafficking; the Chief Magistrate denied him bail and ordered his remand at the Enugu Custodial Center.
Subsequently, in September 2021, the State filed information against Sunday for the offence of trafficking in human person contrary and punishable under section 22 of the Trafficking in Human Person (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015; He pleaded not guilty to the charge and thereafter, his trial commenced fully in 2022.
After a full trail wherein, the State called three witnesses and the defence called two witnesses. The trial court gave judgement on the 26th of March 2024 and found Mr Sunday not guilty and he was discharged and acquitted.
CAPIO Team met with Mr. Sunday in one of our weekly prison visits and after hearing his story of how he was wrongly accused and charged for child trafficking, CAPIO Legal Team took up his case and provided him with free legal services all through his incarceration and trial until his acquittal on Tuesday 26th March 2024, after spending over 3 years in custody.
Mrs. Ifunanya who is a widow hails Oduma town, in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Prior to her arrest in December 2020 and charge for child trafficking, she lives with her last child at their family compound at Oduma. She is a farmer with seven children.
Sometime in November 2020 a young girl who lives with her grandmother not far from Mrs Ifunanya’s Compound approached her for assistance, requesting for food. Subsequently the young girl asked her to assist her to secure a Nanny job so that she can go to school and be well taken care of; which are things she is not getting from her grandmother.
With the aim of assisting the young girl, Mrs. Ifunanya spoke to one of their town’s woman who lives in Lagos about assisting the young girl and the woman agreed to take in the young girl as a maid at Lagos, Subsequently the young girl went to Lagos.
Some days after the young girl went to Lagos, Mrs Ifunanya was arrested on the allegation of child trafficking. Efforts to resolve the matter in their community failed and Mrs. Ifunanya was transferred from the Nnenwe Police Station to The State CID Enugu, from the State CID Enugu, she was arraigned at the Magistrate Court Enugu on 24/3/2021 on the charge of child trafficking; the Chief Magistrate denied her bail and ordered her remand at the Enugu Custodial Center.
Subsequently, in September 2021, the State filed information against Mrs Ifunanya for the offence of trafficking in human person contrary and punishable under section 22 of the Trafficking in Human Person (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and her trial commenced in 2022.
After a full trail wherein, the State called three witnesses and the defence called two witnesses. The trial court gave judgement on the 26th of March 2024 and found Mrs. Ifunanya not guilty and she was discharged and acquitted.
CAPIO Team met with Mrs. Ifunanya in one of their weekly prison visits and after hearing her story took up her case to provide her with pro-bono legal services all through her trial until her acquittal on Tuesday 26th March 2024. She left the Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Center on Tuesday 26st March 2024 after over 3 years in custody.
Through CAPIO’s free legal services Justina is a free woman again.
Donations and Monthly Support to Inmates
In line with CAPIO’s monthly support to inmates, toiletries were consistently delivered in the last six (6) months to the Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre. Also, food items which was donated to CAPIO by the Peter Mbah Foundation to mark the birthday of the Executive Governor of Enugu State, were prepared and given to inmates. Clothes and other items donated by the public were equally presented to inmates. Carmelite Priest have been consistent with weekly visit to custodial centre for counselling and spiritual support to inmates at the Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre.
Medical Outreach
In furtherance with CAPIO’s goal towards improving the healthcare and wellbeing of inmates in Nigeria, CAPIO in collaboration with partners conducted a free medical outreach in Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre on the 9th of March 2024. The Enugu Maximum Security Custodial Centre houses over 2,600 inmates and through medical outreach, attended to the healthcare needs of 180 (6.9%) inmates comprising male and female. Received services cover vital signs, eye checks, consultation with doctors and consultants, drug dispensation, as well as, counselling.
Rehabilitation of Ex-Inmate
Ahead of the full implementation of CAPIO Centre of Hope project (Halfway Home), CAPIO Nigeria has remained committed to resettling returned citizens through various means. Relapse into crime for ex-offenders are most times associated with the absence of a means of livelihood. The strategy of curbing recidivism explains CAPIO FIRC project which empowers female ex-inmates to build their capacity and means of livelihood.
CAPIO Nigeria on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 empowered a couple who completed their time in custody and were experiencing difficulty starting afresh. The couple were supported financially, towards starting a business which will enable them lead a good life.