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INTERROGATING COMPASSIONATE RELEASE OF TERMINALLY ILL PRISONERS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION IN NIGERIA
Abstract
This study examines the policy and practice of compassionate release of terminally ill prisoners and its implications for Nigerian criminal justice administration. The study which relied mainly on secondary sources of data revealed that the health status of inmates and health care delivery in prison is poor. This situation is exacerbated by poor condition of detention, poor provision of drugs and personnel, and inadequate funding. The study revealed that compassionate release for terminally sick inmate is not common in Nigeria but other forms of release programs exist; such as pardon, prerogative of mercy and custody release for inmates awaiting trials. The study found that compassionate release of terminally sick inmates was justified on humanitarian concern; Nigeria prisons not capable to provide palliative care for end of life eventualities and further incarceration of terminally sick inmates defeats the goal of imprisonment as such prisoners pose no threat to the society and are incapable to function effectively in prison rehabilitation and reformation programs. Furthermore, the study found that compassionate release is relevant for Nigeria Criminal Justice System in two contexts, it saves cost and resources and addresses overcrowding of the prison, thus assisting the Prison in managing its continually growing inmate population and the resulting capacity challenges it is facing. Furthermore, such a program would likely have a relatively low rate of recidivism.
Key Words: Compassionate release; Terminally ill; Prison; Criminal justice administration; Nigeria.