Step Rights Magazine Pralarg Magazine
ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — The Ogun State Branch of Prisons Rehabilitation and Law Abiding Organization International (PRALARG International) has paid a courtesy visit to the Adigbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Abeokuta as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on community safety, crime prevention, rehabilitation and respect for the rule of law.
The delegation met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Omisope Olakanmi, and other officers of the division, with discussions focusing on cooperation between law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and communities in addressing crime and promoting public safety.
PRALARG International said the visit provided an opportunity to reinforce its relationship with the Nigeria Police Force and explore areas where both institutions could work together in promoting peace, legal awareness, rehabilitation and crime prevention.
DPO Addresses Misconceptions About Correctional Custody
During the meeting, CSP Olakanmi addressed public perceptions surrounding people held in correctional facilities, particularly claims that some inmates are in custody despite having committed no crime.
He explained that admission into a correctional facility ordinarily follows a lawful process connected to an allegation, criminal proceeding, conviction or other order recognised by law.
However, the discussion also highlighted an important distinction between being accused of an offence and being found guilty of one.
A person awaiting trial remains legally presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court. The fact that an individual is being held in a correctional centre does not, by itself, establish that the person committed the alleged offence.
The courts are responsible for determining criminal guilt through due process, based on the evidence presented and applicable law.
This distinction is particularly important in public discussions about inmates and former inmates, as stigma can undermine rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.
Public Enlightenment and Community Cooperation
The meeting also focused on the need for sustained public education on citizens’ rights and responsibilities, respect for lawful institutions and stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and community members.
Both sides recognised that effective crime prevention requires more than arrest and prosecution. Rehabilitation, reintegration, legal awareness and constructive community engagement also play important roles in reducing reoffending and building safer communities.
PRALARG International, whose work includes prison rehabilitation, aftercare, legal empowerment, human rights advocacy and crime prevention, reiterated its willingness to collaborate with relevant institutions on initiatives aimed at promoting a peaceful and law-abiding society.
PRALARG Appreciates Adigbe Police Division
PRALARG International expressed appreciation to CSP Omisope Olakanmi and the officers and management of the Adigbe Divisional Police Headquarters for their reception, engagement and willingness to strengthen cooperation with civil society.
The organisation said partnerships between law enforcement agencies and credible community organisations could help improve public understanding, strengthen trust and support rehabilitation and crime-prevention initiatives.
The courtesy visit forms part of PRALARG International’s broader engagement with institutions and communities aimed at promoting justice, rehabilitation, public safety and respect for the rule of law.
Step Rights Legal Insight:
Being detained or remanded in a correctional facility should never automatically be interpreted as proof of guilt. Some inmates are convicted prisoners, while others may be awaiting trial or held pursuant to lawful court orders. Under Nigeria’s constitutional framework, a person charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty.