By Stephen Simon
Two former inmates of the Medium correctional facility Kirikiri Lagos State Sulaiman Lawal and Sodiq Muili have decried the poor state of the prisons in Nigeria. In a tell-all after their release on Tuesday 13th October 2026 at the premises of the Lagos State High Court Ikeja, the former inmates painted a deplorable picture of the state of the food served on inmates, condition of the cells and the clinic in the facility where they lived while awaiting trial for years.
The former inmates benefitted from the legal aid provided by an NGO Zarephath Aid. They were released after spending four years and seven years respectively awaiting trial.
The court presided over by Hon Justice A. M. Nicol-Clay of the Ikeja Division of the Court discharged them after the prosecution failed to present witnesses to prove the charge brought against them. The former inmates had earlier been arraigned before Hon Justice A. J. Coker but were moved to Hon Nicol-Clay’s court when the former left for an official assignment in the Gambia.
On the heels of the expose by these ex-inmates of the Kirikiri medium prison, the questions are piling up for Minister Tunji-Ojo, whose ministry supervises Correctional centres in Nigeria.
After the reforms in the Immigration sector, should the prisons not be the next port of call for the Minister? What changed? What happened to the magic wand of reforms? Minister Ojo, come to the prisons; pay an unscheduled visit to any correctional facility in Nigeria.
Preferably, come during breakfast or lunch time and walk straight into the general cell and ask to be served the food the inmates are served. In that way, you can feel the level of corrections going on. Visit the clinic; use the conveniences and finally inspect the beddings.
After the visit make your assessment. The ex-inmates’ experience is captured in a special edition of PRO BONO (a legal aid documentary series by Zarephathaid TV). WATCH HERE. https://youtu.be/3TfPr8i-6e0?si=sjtWqmlh6R3hW8WY
