Experts decry mental health neglect in correctional facilities
By Ibironke Ariyo
Health professionals have warned that inadequate mental health services and alleged inhumane treatment of mentally ill inmates in detention centres worsen their condition, amounting to torture and abuse.
They spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the ongoing second public hearing on alleged corruption and other violations against the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
Prof. Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), stressed that Nigeria’s correctional centres urgently require mental health professionals across custodial facilities.
These professionals, he said, should include psychiatrists, therapists, and social workers to address the plight of mentally ill inmates and break the cycle of torture and abuse.
Obindo warned that delaying hospital treatment for mentally ill inmates until their condition becomes critical amounts to negligence by correctional officers, further worsening their health.
He revealed that other common forms of abuse in correctional centres include isolating mentally ill inmates and locking them up for extended periods.
“We discourage the handcuffing and chaining of mentally ill inmates to the bed.
“Someone will just come and chain them to the bed for days, leaving them to eat, urinate, and do other things in the same place. This should not happen,” he said.
Obindo noted that poor health, combined with imprisonment, affects inmates’ well-being, yet there is often no screening before or after admission into custody.
“We call for regular screening of inmates in custody. We shouldn’t wait until they are ill before interventions are made,” he added.
He maintained that the shortage of caregivers for mentally ill inmates is itself a form of abuse and torture.
However, he emphasised the need for better funding and increased manpower to tackle mental health issues in Nigeria’s correctional service.
He identified two major challenges hindering effective treatment: the absence of a forensic hospital in Nigeria and insufficient funding for inmates’ mental healthcare.
“Consequently, relatives of inmates often bear the financial burden, including out-of-pocket expenses and fuel costs for correctional vehicles to transport inmates to hospitals,” he said.
Dr Uju Agomoh, Secretary of the independent investigative panel, called on medical professionals to contribute to prison reform efforts, stressing their crucial role.
She urged clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, and laboratory technologists, among others, to play an active part in improving inmates’ mental health.
Agomoh, also the Founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), encouraged medical professionals to provide pro-bono services to mentally ill inmates regularly.
She stated that such an initiative would help address the shortage of professionals and improve mental healthcare in correctional facilities.
However, she urged the government to intensify its efforts to ensure mentally ill inmates receive the necessary care and support.
“Pro-bono service in custodial centres for mentally ill inmates can be made a requirement for membership in health bodies.
“This would demonstrate commitment and support for ongoing correctional service reforms in Nigeria,” she suggested.
She added that bodies of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists could offer pro-bono services to correctional hospitals nationwide through their state chapters.
Agomoh commended the government’s efforts to tackle allegations of abuse, torture, corruption, and inhumane treatment in Nigerian correctional facilities.
She stressed that lasting reforms require collaboration from professional bodies across various sectors to support government initiatives.
Dr Abigail Oni, representing the National Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP), highlighted the need to prioritise mental health for both inmates and correctional officers.
Oni stated that integrating mental healthcare into the correctional system and ensuring proper implementation is crucial for all stakeholders’ well-being.
A licensed psychologist and trauma specialist, Oni, recommended substance abuse counselling and dual diagnosis treatment for inmates with recurring disorders.
These measures, she said, would improve behavioural outcomes, reduce violence, enhance rehabilitation, and decrease alleged repeat offences in custodial centres.
“This commitment also promotes human rights, ensures ethical treatment of inmates, and supports correctional officers’ mental health to boost morale and service delivery,” she added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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