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Tag: Inmates

  • Jail breach update: One of seven escaped Ilesha inmates re-arrested in Lagos

    Jail breach update: One of seven escaped Ilesha inmates re-arrested in Lagos

    Kabiru Oyedun, one of the seven inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun State, has been nabbed by the police in Lagos.

    Oyedun, who had been remanded at the Ilesha facility on charges of murder, was captured on Wednesday evening in the Ayobo area of Lagos.

    This development was confirmed on Friday by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin. According to Hundeyin, the 39-year-old fugitive was apprehended at approximately 5:30 p.m. by officers from the Ayobo Division, following coordinated intelligence efforts.

    “Yes, Kabiru Oyedun, male, aged 39, was successfully rearrested after fleeing the Ilesa Correctional Centre,” Hundeyin stated in a message to FIJ. “He was tracked and arrested in the Ayobo area on May 21, 2025, at around 5:30 p.m. This was made possible through the proactive and strategic security operations put in place by the Lagos State Police Command to block any infiltration by criminals into the state.”

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) also confirmed the recapture. Its spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, told FIJ on Friday morning that while the arrest had been made, the Service would release an official statement once Oyedun was transferred back into their custody.

    “We are aware that one of the escapees has been rearrested thanks to a collaborative effort between the Correctional Service and other security agencies,” Umar said. “An official statement will be issued once he is safely back in our custody. We ask for a little more patience until this process is completed.”

    Escape Triggered by Heavy Rainfall

    The jailbreak occurred in the early hours of Tuesday following a heavy downpour that caused a section of the prison’s perimeter wall to collapse, allowing the inmates to escape undetected around 2 a.m.

    In response to the incident, the NCoS announced on Wednesday a N5 million reward for anyone who provides credible information leading to the capture of the escapees.

    “To ensure public involvement in the recapture effort, the Nigerian Correctional Service is offering a N5 million reward for actionable information that results in the arrest of any of the seven fugitives who escaped from the Ilesha Medium Custodial Centre,” the Service announced.

    Authorities continue to search for the remaining escapees and have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or sightings to law enforcement.

  • NCoS offers N5m reward for information on fleeing inmates in Osun

    NCoS offers N5m reward for information on fleeing inmates in Osun

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced a cash reward of N5 million for credible information leading to the rearrest of inmates that recently escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesha, Osun.

    This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Umar said that the reward was part of efforts to encourage public cooperation in tracking down the fleeing inmates and ensuring their prompt return to lawful custody.

    He appealed to members of the public to assist by reporting any useful information to the nearest security agency.

    He assured that all tips would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and anonymity.

    “The NCoS urges citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or persons believed to be among the escapees,” the statement read.

    “To facilitate the process, the NCoS provided contact details for its Public Complaint Response Desk as well as direct telephone lines and email addresses:

    “The Email address are  complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng, info@corrections.gov.ng, Phone: 07087086005, 09060004598, 08075050006.”

    Umar added that the service encouraged the public to act promptly and responsibly to aid national security efforts.

  • How 7 Inmates escaped from Osun prison

    How 7 Inmates escaped from Osun prison

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has revealed how seven inmates escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, NCoS spokesperson Abubakar Umar explained that the inmates exploited a breach in the facility’s perimeter wall, which had been weakened by heavy rainfall, to escape early that morning.

    Umar stated that the escape occurred around 2:00 a.m. and compromised the prison’s security infrastructure.

    Following the incident, the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, ordered an immediate investigation and initiated efforts to recapture the escapees. Umar noted that the Service is working closely with other security agencies and local community leaders in the search.

    “The NCoS remains fully committed to ensuring that the escaped inmates are returned to custody. Measures are also being taken to strengthen security at the facility to prevent future breaches,” he said.

    Umar called on the public to assist with credible information that could help track down the fugitives. He also provided the NCoS Response Desk contact numbers: 07087086005, 09060004598, and 08075050006, encouraging citizens to report any relevant details or contact the nearest security agency

  • Over 65% inmates in prisons are awaiting trial, says NBA President

    Over 65% inmates in prisons are awaiting trial, says NBA President

    The President of Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA), Chief Afam Osigwe, says 65 per cent of inmates  in the 244 correctional centres in the country are awaiting trial.

    Osigwe made this known at the National Executive Council meeting of the NBA on Thursday in Akure.

    “We should focus on pre-trial detainees, people who are court  awaiting trials. They make up over 65 per cent  of the prison population.

    “We worry about those who are simply remanded in prison facilities without having their cases tried, or their case taking an intolerable length of time to come to conclusion, on account of one delay or the other.

    “They are sometimes serving more time in prison than they would if the court has convicted them, or even acquiring one disease or the other in prison, or even dying,” he said.

    Osigwe said that the association had  mandated its Human Rights Committee to work with the Chief Judges of the states to ensure prison visits.

    He added that the committee would also urge chief judges in various states release defendants that were not prosecuted.

    “The Chief Judges should also give a directive to all magistrates that if you give a remand order, you must give a return date for a review.

    “If the prosecution, Ministry of Justice, fails to file a charge, that they should order the release of such persons, so that people do not spend time in prison detention without being charged to court.

    “They should ensure that the courts, in line with provisions of the Police Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, will visit detention facilities, whether of the police, of the army, of the DSS, of the NDLEA to check the length of time people have been detained there.

    “People should  be released on bail or be charged  to court, or release them entirely.

    “The bar is getting this engagement to ensure that people who have no reason being in detention are released, and that people do not spend a long time in detention without a charge being filed against them,” he stated.

    According to him, NBA is embarking on advocacy  to ensure that  the provisions of the law to avoid the  ugly  situation in various detention facilities.

    Speaking, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who declared the meeting open, described the NBA NEC as a momentous occasion that  marked  the return of the gathering to the state after a span of nearly  15 years.

    Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo, said that it was an opportunity to rejuvenate the professional camaraderie that bound legal practitioners and advocates for justice together.

    The NBA-NEC meeting serves as a vital platform for addressing pressing issues that affected the profession, the rule of law, and the administration of justice.

    “It is a time for introspection, decisive action, and a renewed commitment to the principles that have long guided our noble profession: justice, fairness, and the steadfast pursuit of the rule of law,” he said.

    Aiyedatiwa said that the state government has championed unwavering commitment to  a legal system that would serve the interest of all.

  • FG raises daily feeding allowance for inmates to N1,125 to cushion hunger

    FG raises daily feeding allowance for inmates to N1,125 to cushion hunger

    The Federal Government has increased the daily feeding allowance for prison inmates from N750 to N1,125, a step seen as a bid to improve the welfare of those in custody.

    During his inaugural meeting with senior officers from the rank of controllers of prisons, the Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, acknowledged the increment but emphasised the need for further improvements.

    “You will agree with me that inmates’ feeding rate has been graciously increased by Mr. President from N750 to N1,125 per inmate per day. While it is not yet ‘Uhuru,’ I will continue to press for improved rate,” he said.

    To ensure proper implementation, Nwakuche revealed that monitoring teams from the NPS national headquarters had been deployed to oversee inmates’ feeding.

    He urged senior officers to support the teams, describing the task as a national duty.

    Nwakuche stressed that the Service existed to serve inmates and committed to prioritising their welfare.

    “Our efforts in reforming and rehabilitating inmates will also involve expanding classrooms, upscaling vocational skills centres, and fostering public-private partnerships to guarantee sustainability.

    He added that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies, and physically challenged inmates, would receive special attention.

    “Let me also reiterate here that the management of vulnerable persons in prisons, persons such as pregnant women, babies, nursing mothers, physically challenged etc, will be favourably taken care of,” he said.

    Addressing prison overcrowding, Nwakuche outlined plans to address the challenge of prison overcrowding, disclosing that 48,932 inmates were awaiting trial as of January 6, 2025.

    He also called on officers to collaborate with state chief judges, attorneys-general, and commissioners of police to address the backlog of cases.

    He stated, “At present, our statistics as of Monday, January 6, 2025, showed that 48,932 inmates in custody are awaiting trial persons, ATPs.

    “I intend to interface with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and other prosecuting agencies and critical stakeholders to fast track the trial of these inmates, especially those on non-bailable offences, such as armed robbery, murder and others that constitute over 60% of awaiting trial persons ATPs.

    “Meanwhile, I want to urge you to relate with your state chief judges, attorneys-general, commissioners of police to further address the challenges,” he said.

    Further, Nwakuche highlighted the potential of non-custodial measures and early release mechanisms in reducing the number of inmates.

    “I implore you to reach out to the state chief judges, attorneys-general of your states, and other stakeholders to cash in on this; some of them need to be educated on this,” he urged.

    Tackling security challenges, Nwakuche issued a stern warning to officers about prison security, emphasising the importance of preventing escapes, riots, and attacks.

    “The consequences of such grievous offences are severe and should be avoided at all costs. You have been warned. Take this message to staff under you,” he stated.

    He directed officers to resume quarterly inspections of prison facilities immediately and ensure regular weekly searches.

    He also emphasised the need to report weak structures and other urgent issues requiring attention.

  • Maiduguri flood: NCoS reveals number of missing inmates

    Maiduguri flood: NCoS reveals number of missing inmates

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says 281 inmates of the Maiduguri custodial centre are missing after the capital city has been ravaged by flood.

    The Service said they were found missed after inmates were evacuated fron the facility as it was also affected by the flood.

    The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO, Abubakar Umar who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, however, said seven other inmates were recaptured.

    The statement said: “The flood brought down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri (MSCC) as well as the staff quarters in the City.

    “Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.

    “However, it is important to note that the service is in custody of their details, including their biometrics, which are being made available to the public.

    “The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.

    “Presently, a total of seven (7) inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on the ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.

    “While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety”.

  • Maiduguri flood: NCoS declares 281 inmates missing

    Maiduguri flood: NCoS declares 281 inmates missing

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared 281 inmates missing after evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO, Mr Abubakar Umar on Sunday in Abuja.

    The NCoS also said that seven other inmates had been recaptured.

    Umar said that the service was in custody of the details of the missing inmates, including their biometrics.

    “The flood brought down the walls of the correctional facilities, including the medium security custodial centre Maiduguri (MSCC) as well as the staff quarters in the City.

    “Upon the evacuation of inmates by officers of the service with support from sister security agencies to a safe and secure facility, 281 inmates were observed to be missing.

    “However, it is important to note that the service is in custody of their details, including their biometrics, which is being made available to the public.

    “The service is working in synergy with other security agencies as both covert and overt deployments have been activated to look out for them.

    “Presently, a total of seven (7) inmates have been recaptured and returned to custody, while efforts are on ground to track down the rest and bring them back to safe custody.

    “While this effort is on, the public is assured that the incidence does not impede or affect public safety” he said.

  • Democracy Day: Uba Sani frees 110 Kaduna inmates

    Democracy Day: Uba Sani frees 110 Kaduna inmates

    Kaduna state Governor, Uba Sani  has secured the release of 110 inmates from the Kaduna Correctional Centre, as part of activities lined up for the celebration of the Democracy Day.

    The governor together with a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, visited the Correctional Centre on Tuesday, where he said the gesture was part of efforts of his government to decongest the prisons and give second chance to deserving inmates.

    He said out of the number, 22 convicts would be released on pardon under the prerogative of mercy powers conferred on him by Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    The remaining 88 convicts consists of those who have been convicted with option of fine ranging from ten thousand naira above while others have compensation to pay to their victims ranging from one hundred and fifty thousand and above.

    He said in some cases, some of the convict have both fines and compensation elements, adding that they were concerned on the high rate of inmates either awaiting trial or those whose trial have begun but still on-going among others while those who have been convicted with fine or option of fine also make the number.

    “This is more worrisome to me considering the capacity of our custodial centres in Kaduna State. The initial capacity was 500 but upgraded now to 1,100. The custodial centers have been over-stretched. We now have a total number of 3,000 inmates.

    “I came to this Custodial Center today with mixed feelings. We are celebrating our Democracy Day; a day set aside to pay tribute to those who made sacrifices so that we can live in freedom. I am also here to see our brothers and sisters who found themselves on the wrong side of the law,”

    “Our administration is anchored on Justice and Fairness. We are committed to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. We have zero tolerance for discrimination.

    “We strongly believe that there is inherent goodness in every person. We believe that everybody deserves a second chance. Persons in custodial centers can turn a new leaf and contribute to the growth and development of our state.”

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    He urged the released inmates to reciprocate the gesture to be of good character henceforth, and urged them to acquire skills.

    “Our administration is eager and willing to assist you in acquiring skills. It is not too late to be useful to yourself, your family and to society.”

    He appreciated the officers and men of the Correctional Service, especially those of Kaduna Command for their efforts in ensuring an atmosphere of peace and calm in the custodial centres, saying government will install facilities like solar lights in the centre.

    The Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN Mr Femi Falana, in his remarks, urged the Governor to mandate all Chief Magistrates in the State to visit Police detention facilities at least once in a month, saying that, that is the best way to prevent unnecessary arrest and congestion of the prison.

    He said Correctional Service has been removed from the exclusive list to concurrent list andvurged Governors to invest in the upgrade of facilities in the correctional centres in Nigeria.

    The Senior Advocate commended Governor Uba Sani for his gesture by granting pardon to 22 convicted inmates and securing release of 88 awaiting trial inmates, he further advised the released inmates to stay away from crimes capable of bringing them back to the prison.

    The Controller of Correctional Service in Kaduna, Isah Mohammed Nuru said the Custodial Centre in Kaduna and its environ are facing challenges ranging from high number of Awaiting Trial Inmates, Operational Vehicles to convey inmates to courts, as those in use are inadequate.

    “We also have the need for 18-seater bus which can be used in carrying special class of inmates to Courts. Sir, there are also some basic needs that will help in smooth running of the Centre such as: Solar light which will assists in lighting the Centre in the night when light goes off. We also need Solar Bore Hole to assist in Shortage of water in the Centre.”

     

     

  • Just In: 119 inmates escape as rainstorm destroys prison, 10 recaptured

    Just In: 119 inmates escape as rainstorm destroys prison, 10 recaptured

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) FCT Command, on Thursday said 119 inmates escaped from the Suleja Custodial Centre, in Niger State.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Thursday by Mr Samson Duza, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command.

    The FCT command is in charge of Kuje and Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centres in Abuja and Niger.

    Duza explained that the incident followed a rainstorm that destroyed the Suleja facility on Wednesday night.

    He said the service had immediately activated its recapturing mechanisms, in conjunction with sister security agencies.

    According to him, the downpour has also wreaked havoc on the surrounding buildings and part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence.

    ”This gave way to the escape of a total of 119 inmates of the facility.

    ”But with the help of sister agencies, we have recaptured 10 of them and taken them into custody, while we are in hot chase to recapture the others.”

    Duza stated that the Service was mindful  that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era, and had become old and weak.

    He said in view of this, the service was making frantic efforts to see that all ageing facilities gave way for modern ones.

    ”This is evidenced in the ongoing construction of six 3,000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres in all the geo-political zones in Nigeria.

    ‘‘This also includes the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of existing ones,” he said.

    The FCT spokesman assured the public that the command was on top of the situation, and urged residents to go about their businesses without fear or hindrance.

    He also enjoined the public to look out for the fleeing inmates and report any suspicious movement to the nearest security agency.

  • Tinubu@72: Minister visits inmates in Kuje Correctional Service

    Tinubu@72: Minister visits inmates in Kuje Correctional Service

    Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, on Friday visited the inmates of Nigerian Correctional Service, Kuje to  commemorate 72nd birthday of President Bola Tinubu.

    The minister, who was represented by his aide, Nafisa Bello, said the visit was to celebrate President’s birthday with inmates by providing them packs of food to put smile on their faces.

    Tijani, who wished the President a happy birthday, said the gesture was a way of commending the President’s resilience, pragmatic leadership and commitment to service.

    He said even though the president had instructed that no one should organise a birthday party or place any birthday goodwill advertorial messages in newspapers, it was a special day.

    “We are here to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s 72nd birthday and share love with the inmates. We have distributed food packs, we have met and had good conversations with some of them.

    “We wish the president a happy birthday, long life and property,” minister said.

    One of the inmate, Chiwendu Hart, who spoke on behalf of all the inmates described the gesture as an act of love, adding that they were not in the correctional service for punishment but correction.

    He thanked the Federal Government and the correctional officers for rehabilitating and integrating the inmates to come out and live a crime free life.

    According to him, the Nigerian Correctional Service has set up degree courses, ran by the National Open University (NOUN) and some skills to keep the inmates busy while undergoing trials.

    He said that he had graduated and had a Masters in theology and waiting to enroll for his PhD.

    “I am a beneficiary of NOUN, I came here with secondary school certificate but today, I am a graduate and have my Masters in theology.

    “Even if after you leave the correctional centre, you can still come back and finish up the courses or the skills you started with.

    “Once we leave here, we will go out there and explore what we have learnt in order to live a good life.”

    He urged the Federal Government to equip some of the vocational programmes with study materials, tailoring machines, carpentry and shoe making tools.

    He wished the President a happy birthday.