Mr. President Bola, This Can’t Be True: Correction Officers’ Shocking Request for More Convictions to Fill Prison Farms with Enforced Labor

As a psychologist, I am profoundly disturbed by the psychological implications of the request made by Officer Ibiang Otu and his superiors. The notion that individuals could be deliberately convicted and incarcerated solely to serve as farm laborers in correctional facilities is an unfathomable breach of human rights and dignity. This request is not just a policy flaw but a devastating violation of the very essence of justice. It is a recipe for psychological trauma, as individuals are subjected to forced labor, deprived of their freedom, and stripped of their autonomy. Such treatment causes lasting harm, eroding the mental health of prisoners and permanently distorting their sense of self-worth. The resulting trauma can impair their ability to reintegrate into society upon release, condemning them to live with the scars of this exploitation for the rest of their lives.

This deeply alarming request highlights the absence of meaningful rehabilitation programs and resources within Nigeria's prison system. Rather than offering genuine opportunities for rehabilitation, which would help incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society as productive citizens, the focus seems to have shifted to exploiting them as sources of cheap labor. This direction is not just inhumane, but counterproductive. Exploiting incarcerated individuals as farm workers perpetuates the cycle of criminality rather than addressing the root causes of crime. It strips individuals of their human dignity, making it nearly impossible for them to re-enter society successfully, which only increases the likelihood of recidivism. The very purpose of imprisonment—to correct, rehabilitate, and reintegrate—appears to be lost in favor of economic gain from forced labor.

What is even more troubling is that this request came from within a system that was meant to evolve into a more rehabilitative institution. The change from "Nigeria Prisons Service" to "Nigeria Correctional Service" was, on paper, intended to reflect a shift toward more rehabilitative practices and a focus on correcting the behavior of offenders, not merely punishing them. However, this proposal—requesting more convictions simply to fill prisons with laborers—suggests that the change in name was no more than a superficial rebranding. The institution’s practices still align with a punitive, exploitative mindset rather than the promised rehabilitative approach. This shift is not just a failure in policy but a clear indication that the correctional system remains deeply rooted in outdated, oppressive practices.

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Cross River State has raised serious concerns about the shortage of inmates in its facilities. This shortage has begun to negatively impact essential rehabilitation programs like farming and community service, which are meant to provide inmates with both skills training and rehabilitation. The request for more convictions to fill these facilities, so that forced labor can be exploited for agricultural activities, only worsens the situation. Rather than expanding rehabilitation efforts, the focus seems to have shifted to using inmates as economic resources to fill quotas for prison farms, reinforcing an outdated and cruel mentality toward incarceration.

Nigeria's actions stand in direct violation of international human rights law, and the world is taking notice. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) clearly states that "no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile" (Article 9). The UDHR also emphasizes the right to freedom from forced labor (Article 4). The African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which Nigeria has ratified, guarantees the right to freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention (Article 6). Furthermore, the Charter stresses the right to freedom from forced labor and the right to fair and humane treatment (Article 5).

By requesting that more individuals be incarcerated simply to provide forced labor, the Nigerian authorities are violating these internationally recognized principles. This shocking request, made by Officer Ibiang Otu and his superiors, not only disregards human rights but also reveals an alarming gap in the moral and ethical standards of those tasked with overseeing the country's correctional facilities.

Nigeria must realize that we now live in a global digital world—a world where news travels at the speed of light. When such grotesque requests are made and broadcast within Nigeria’s media, they are not confined to the borders of the country. They are seen around the world, instantly reaching millions of people, including human rights organizations, governments, and citizens who are monitoring Nigeria’s treatment of its prisoners. This request is not just a national embarrassment; it is now an issue for the entire international community.

The idea that Nigeria’s justice system would exploit vulnerable individuals for economic labor undermines the very principles upon which the country claims to stand. The world is watching, and when these egregious violations are broadcast globally, it only fuels the call for reform and accountability. If we are to maintain any semblance of moral authority on the international stage, Nigeria must take immediate, bold steps to reform its correctional practices.

I urge the Nigerian government to act decisively and immediately to address these systemic flaws. The justice system must refocus on its core purpose—rehabilitating those who have committed offenses, ensuring their reintegration into society, and providing them with the support they need to avoid reoffending. Human rights, dignity, and rehabilitation must be prioritized above economic gain and exploitation. The call for reform is not just a matter of national concern but an international responsibility. Nigeria’s failure to act will have far-reaching consequences, not just for its incarcerated population but for its global reputation.

The suspension of Officer Otu and his superiors is essential. They should be placed under investigation immediately, and their actions should be scrutinized thoroughly. Psychological evaluations, including testing and therapy, must be conducted to understand the psychological motivations behind such an unethical and exploitative request. These individuals, entrusted with overseeing the well-being of those incarcerated, must be held accountable for their disturbing actions.

Without strict discipline, psychological testing, and counseling, such behaviors will persist not only among individuals like Otu and his superiors but across the entire system. Sadly, these officers, after many years of service and subsequent promotions, reach positions of power where they continue to perpetuate harmful and exploitative practices. The result is that the vulnerable suffer, and Nigeria’s name and global standing continue to be tarnished. The system, if left unchecked, remains entrenched in old, harmful ways—inflicting damage on all it touches.

The international community must not turn a blind eye. Countries around the world must demand that Nigeria take concrete steps to remedy this injustice. We can no longer allow the continued exploitation of incarcerated individuals. Nigeria must be held accountable for violating international human rights law. The world is watching, and it is time for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to justice, fairness, and human dignity.

Yes, even our adopted American constitution, with all its imperfections, still stands as a beacon of constitutional democracy. However, Nigeria must acknowledge and address the flaws in its own justice system, and it must make the necessary changes to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. Exploiting prisoners for forced labor cannot be tolerated in a society that claims to value justice and human dignity.

We must come together to create a justice system that is not only fair and humane but that places rehabilitation, reintegration, and human rights at the forefront of its operations. Anything less is a betrayal of our shared humanity. We owe it to those incarcerated, to the future generations of Nigerians, and to the world to ensure that Nigeria’s justice system stands as an example of fairness, compassion, and respect for the inherent dignity of all people. Only through genuine reform can we ensure that justice is truly served and that the wounds caused by these inhumane practices begin to heal.

Prof John Egbeazien Oshodi
Oshodi Open Door, also known as Oshodi Open Door Public Training (OOPDT, pronounced opidt), is a public awareness initiative promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in Africa through educational articles and resources at [email protected], and offers specialized Timely Response Solutions (TRS) training at minimal or no cost.

John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American psychologist, educator, and author. Born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, he is the son of a 37-year veteran of the Nigeria Police Force. Professor Oshodi is an expert in cross-cultural psychology, forensic/clinical psychology, police and prison science, and social justice.

He has made significant contributions to forensic psychology, introducing it to Nigeria in 2011 through the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Nasarawa State University. Professor Oshodi has taught at several institutions, including Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, and Nova Southeastern University.

Currently, he serves as a government consultant for forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and practices as a clinical and forensic psychologist. He also holds virtual faculty roles at Walden University and other institutions. Professor Oshodi has authored numerous publications and founded the Psychoafricalysis theory in psychology.