PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF RECIDIVISM IN KADUNA AND ZARIA PRISONS

PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF RECIDIVISM IN KADUNA AND ZARIA PRISONS

Abstract:

The philosophy of prison has changed from that which serves as punishment centre to that which emphasises on rehabilitating and reforming the offender with the aid of laid down programs that aim at helping in proper transformation. Despite this ideological background, it is surprising that the rate of recidivism over the years is on a steady increase. This study therefore sought to understand the Prevalence and Causes of recidivism in Kaduna and Zaria prisons. The objectives of this study are; examining the nature of the reformative and rehabilitative programs in Kaduna and Zaria prisons, examining the effectiveness of correctional facilities and programs in Kaduna and Zaria prisons, identifying the causes of recidivism in Kaduna and Zaria prisons, assessing the challenges faced by staff and inmates of Kaduna and Zaria prisons and finally proffering solutions that will help reduce the rate of recidivism. In order to achieve these stated objectives, Qualitative and Quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaire, while the qualitative data, through in-depth interviews. Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants. A sample of 80 inmates was selected using purposive sampling technique. The quantitative data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency while the qualitative data was transcribed and used in triangulation. Inspite of philosophical change in correction, the study found out that there is high rate of recidivism due to the following causes; poor infrastructures in Kaduna and Zaria prisons, inadequate and obsolete correctional measures in Kaduna and Zaria prisons, poverty, unemployment, peer group influence, low educational qualification, length of first sentence, Prisonization, lack of visits by loved ones, stigmatization, lack of proper reintegration exercise and finally, habitual criminality. Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made; The provision of modern and adequate correctional facilities in Nigerian prisons, The Nigerian Prison Service should liaise with businesses for employment opportunities, specifically for ex-offenders, Family members should be encouraged to become more involved in the reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration process, Public awareness of the impact of stigmatization on ex-offenders should be a program hosted regularly and finally, Adequate employment of competent prison staff should be done by the Federal Government.

PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF RECIDIVISM IN KADUNA AND ZARIA PRISONS

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