LEGAL RELEASE OF PRISONERS INTO THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY AND THEIR REINTEGRATION MALADIES

Abstract

Reintegrating prisoners upon their release or discharge into the society presents a significant global concern particularly when unsuccessful with attendant maladies, recidivism and its strain on administration of criminal justice. Contextually, the process has suffered a great setback in Nigeria due to public rejection of ex-prisoners, overcrowding in custodial centres, crime pollination and classification difficulties with negative impact on the objectives of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration. In view of the above consideration, this paper sought to critically analyze the maladies ex-prisoners face in social reintegration and provide necessary strategic approaches in helping their successful re-entry into the society. The method adopted was essentially socio-legal exploring both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were obtained from legislations, statutes and juristic texts which dealt with issues of reintegration and recidivism while the secondary data obtained from journals, annual reports and textbooks were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed during which percentage frequency relating to recidivism rates were obtained. Findings show correlations between reintegration, custodial congestion and increased recidivism rate as revealed in the percentage frequency hence a consequential burden on the Criminal Justice System. To justify the legal discharge of prisoners and enhance their successful reintegration into the society, a holistic approach is required where all stakeholders within the criminal justice corridor and non-governmental bodies participating in their reintegration process are involved. Thus, deliberate policies, models, sustainable reformatory and rehabilitation programmes, half way homes, furloughs and adequate funding are necessary.