The Value of Albert Camus' Idea of the Freedom of the Prisoner: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

Many people speak of the freedom of the individual within the state and the restriction of such freedom within the confines of the prison. This paper discussed the value of the freedom of those who ordinarily merit the death penalty but are given a chance to enjoy life in prison. It is absurd that such a man should enjoy freedom in prison. It is absurd to claim that a man who hides his personal life and characteristics in order to escape death could be said to be free at the same time. This work brought out the value of freedom of those in these categories. Suggestions on what should constitute the true value of human freedom in Nigeria were made. Using the analytic and hermeneutic methods, this work reveals the dynamism of human freedom about living in absurdity with reference to the modern individual within the state through the lenses of Albert Camus' thought on the freedom of the prisoner.