8,246 mentally ill inmates in custody nationwide

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has said there are 8,246 inmates with mental illness across the custodial centres nationwide

The Assistant Controller General of Corrections (ACG) in charge of Medical Services, Dr. Glory Essien, announced this during a public hearing in Abuja yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS began the third public hearing on Monday.

Essien highlighted the harsh reality of incarceration and its impact on mental health during her address to the panel.

“We have 8,246 inmates with mental health conditions in our custodial centres.

“From the moment someone is brought in, those who have seen a custodial centre know what I mean.

“The police escort them to the gate and it’s opened. They’re admitted, and then the gate is locked behind them.

“That instant loss of freedom can trigger something. Some begin to show signs of disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted,” she said.

The ACG explained that the prison system relied on an internal network of trained inmate-leaders who assisted staff members in identifying those showing signs of psychological distress.

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