International records / OpenAlex research

Prison Decongestion and The Role of Social Work in Nigeria’s Criminal Justice Reform

Prison congestion has emerged as one of the most persistent challenges undermining Nigeria’s criminal justice system, with correctional facilities operating far beyond their intended capacity. The majority of inmates are awaiting-trial detainees, a situation caused by systemic inefficiencies, judicial delays, and over-reliance on custodial sentencing. These conditions not only violate human rights but also compromise the rehabilitative mandate of prisons, thereby fueling cycles of recidivism and insecurity. This study examined prison decongestion in Nigeria and the critical role of social work…