Bald Courtist

When the video of Uduak Akpan, the convicted killer of Ini Umoren emerged on social media, I saw a lot of comments about how healthy he looks, some were doubting if he was indeed in any prison.

It appeared to me that a lot of people hold some misconceptions about our prisons in Nigeria so here are some facts.

Prisons are generally better than your average police cell.

You are allowed a change of clothes and basic things like mosquito nets and the likes.

Prisoners are not locked up 24/7.

There are schools inside Prisons.

Prisoners learn a lot of skills in Prison, you have tailors, shoe makers, bag makers and a lot of things. These items are sold and inmates earn a living. ( inmates made some of my native wears and I paid for their services)

Prisoners have churches and mosque where their own pastors lead them in praise and worship.

Smoking ci******es is allowed in some yards.

They have barbing salons where inmates get hair cuts prior to their court appearances.

They organize football tournaments amongst themselves and prison wardens. I have taken part in a few.

They are allowed to see their visitors on days allocated for visits.

The male and female sections are separated and rarely do male inmates see female inmates

The major challenge facing most yards in Nigeria is congestion. Yards meant for 700 people are being occupied by over 2000 people.

While prison yards are not five star hotels, there are not certainly as bad as people make them.

With Precious B Gbegeke.