Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, located west of Apapa in Lagos State, Nigeria, is one of the most well-known correctional facilities in the country. Named after the rural Kirikiri community where it is situated, this prison has become synonymous with Nigeria’s correctional system. Originally built in 1955, the prison was designed to house 1,056 inmates but has frequently been overcrowded throughout its history, making it a focal point for discussions about prison conditions in Nigeria.
History and Capacity
Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison was established in 1955 with an initial capacity to accommodate 1,056 inmates. However, over the years, the number of inmates has often exceeded this capacity. For instance, as of February 1, 1990, the prison was holding 1,645 prisoners, far surpassing its official capacity. This overcrowding issue was noted in a 1995 report by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, which described the prison as “infamous” for its overcrowded conditions.
In an attempt to alleviate this problem, the United Kingdom announced in March 2018 that it would spend $939,000 to build a new 112-bed wing at Kirikiri. This expansion was intended to facilitate the transfer of Nigerian prisoners from the UK, highlighting the ongoing challenges related to space and resources in the prison.
Inmate Population and Death Row
Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison houses a diverse range of inmates, including those awaiting trial and those who have been convicted of serious crimes. As of February 2018, 69% of the prison’s population were inmates awaiting trial. This high percentage underscores the slow judicial processes and the challenges faced by the Nigerian legal system in delivering timely justice.
The prison is also home to several death row inmates, reflecting its role as a facility for those convicted of the most serious offenses.
Meals and Living Conditions
The quality of life in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison has been a subject of concern for many years. One of the most significant issues is the provision of meals to inmates. Until October 2021, prisoners were allocated just 450 naira (approximately US$1.08 as of May 2022) for food per day. This amount was widely criticized as insufficient to provide nutritious meals. In response, the Senate Committee on Interior increased the daily food allowance to 1,000 naira (around $2.41 as of May 2022). However, there are conflicting reports about whether this increase has led to any real improvement in the quality or quantity of food provided.
Prisoners have described the meals as “poor and horrible,” with breakfast often consisting solely of poorly cooked beans. Some inmates have even stated that “even a hungry dog will reject the food they serve us,” highlighting the dire conditions. To cope, many prisoners rely on cooking their own meals in their cells using raw ingredients purchased through the prison’s welfare officer. Some inmates also have access to kerosene stoves for cooking.
VIP Section and Inequality
The prison also has a separate “VIP section,” where influential inmates can enjoy significantly better conditions. This section reportedly offers services such as a personal cook, someone to wash clothes, errand persons, and even a generator for electricity. This disparity in living conditions reflects the broader inequalities present in Nigerian society, even within the confines of a prison.
Notable Past Prisoners
Over the years, Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison has housed several high-profile individuals, including political figures, musicians, and other prominent personalities. Some of the notable past prisoners include:
- Chief Bode George: A Nigerian politician and former military governor.
- Clifford Orji: Alleged to be Nigeria’s first known cannibal.
- Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua: A prominent Nigerian military officer and politician.
- Fela Anikulapo Kuti: A famous Nigerian musician and human rights activist.
- Olusegun Obasanjo: Former President of Nigeria.
- Chris Abani: A Nigerian author and poet.
Conclusion
Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison is a microcosm of the challenges facing the Nigerian correctional system. From overcrowding and poor living conditions to inequalities within the prison, it highlights the urgent need for reform. While steps have been taken to address some of these issues, such as increasing the daily food allowance and expanding capacity, much more needs to be done to ensure that inmates are treated humanely and that the prison system serves its intended purpose of rehabilitation and correction.
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Written By Fortune Davids