HUMAN rights organisations have raised an alarm over the fact that 15 babies are currently being held at Umuahia Prison in Abia State along with their mothers in contravention of Nigerian law. 

According to the Child Rights Advancement and Protection Initiatives (Crapi), the fate of 15 babies held with their mothers at the Federal Prisons, Umuahia has become a source of concern. It added that the future of the infants could be jeopardised if they are nursed and raised in a harsh prison environment. 

Crapi national coordinator Ozioma Patsy Onyenweaku, said: "Allowing babies to grow up in prison will deny our society of sleep in the near future. Our laws forbid babies being kept in prison with the mother. 

"The law equally frowns on pregnant and nursing mothers being kept in prison. The law provides for the establishment of special family-like centres for this class of women who are in conflict with the law and who must necessarily be incarcerated.” 

Ms Onyenweaku added that the number of baby prisoners has been on the rise because pregnant women and nursing mothers are becoming the fastest growing segment of female prisoners. Aside from the babies being born in prison, she explained that another category of baby prisoners has emerged because their mothers had them just before incarceration.

Statistics from the Umuahia prison showed that the youngest, who was circumcised last week, is just 10 days old, while the oldest is two years and three months. Apparently, these babies and their mothers are left at the mercy of the irregular visitors with donations for the prisons, with no facilities, toys or playground for the babies.