ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING AND CONGESTION IN PORT HARCOURT CORRECTION SERVICE, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Alternative sentencing in Nigeria criminal justice system has failed to decongest inmates in correction centre. This study examined alternative sentencing and how it can provide decongestion in Port Harcourt prison. The study has insight into the administration of the criminal justice system. The alternative sentencing and prison congestion, the level of congestion is high due to increment in crime rate, Court delay and adjournment of cases. Conclusively, excessive use of imprisonment is not actually the only cause of prison congestion but other factors as the court, the police not carrying out proper investigation before apprehending the offender. It also revealed that the alternative sentencing available in Nigeria criminal justice system are limited compared to the ones employed by the developed nations of the world. This research recommends that the National Assembly should make more policies to suit the crimes committed by offenders. The court should endeavor to judge cases without delay and adjournments, the government should limit the discretionary power conferred on the criminal justice system and build more correctional centre. The plan should include reformation and rehabilitation programmes.