THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AGAINST JAILBREAKS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The subject of jailbreak episodes in Nigeria and relevant statute provisions under the Nigerian penal system were both examined in this article. It brought attention to the problems behind Nigeria's high rate of jailbreaks and their effects on the country's society. It demonstrated how the aforementioned problem persists in spite of current regulations regarding jailbreaks from Nigerian correctional facilities. The doctrinal technique was used in this investigation. Given that the study examined potential legal requirements that would reduce jailbreak instances in Nigeria, the doctrinal methodology was chosen. One of the study's claims is that prisoners flee holding or correctional facilities not only to avoid punishment for their crimes but also to avoid the facilities' deteriorating infrastructure. The study made it evident that there is lack of faith and confidence of Nigerians in the Nigerian Correctional Service due to the overwhelming incidents of jailbreaks. This study also noted that while officials are responsible for preventing jailbreaks or attempts at them under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, the Act does not penalize jailbreaks in order to discourage their occurrence. To lessen the likelihood of jailbreaks, all of their causes must be addressed. According to this report, the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 should be amended to specifically make breaking into Nigerian prisons a crime.