TheNewsGuru

Tag: NCoS

  • NCoS denies ₦350,000 extortion fee allegation for training certificates

    NCoS denies ₦350,000 extortion fee allegation for training certificates

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied reports alleging that administrators of the Service’s training institutions extort ₦350,000 from participants before releasing their certificates of attendance as baseless.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that Umar Abubakar, the Public Relations Officer of NCoS,  in a statement on Wednesday, also dismissed further insinuations that the Service’s cooperative society has been converted into a so-called “cash cow.”

    Abubakar stated that the NCoS has never authorized or allowed the collection of any fees other than the caution fees of ₦1,000.00 and ₦2,000.00, respectively.

    He explained that the Cooperative Society mentioned in the alleged report functions as a fallback welfare system for retired and deceased personnel. Additionally, he noted that individuals who have been dismissed from service receive their entitlements upon disengagement.

    The statement reads, “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has been drawn to a recent media report by Sahara Reporters alleging that prison officers were compelled to pay the sum of N350,000 for issuance of training certificates and further insinuations that the Service’s cooperative society has been converted into a so-called “cash cow”. The Service wishes to categorically state that these allegations are not only misleading but baseless aimed at misinforming the public and undermining the integrity of the Service.

    “Training and retraining of officers form a core component of the NCoS professional development mandate. At no time has the Service authorized, or permitted the collection of any fees aside the payment of N1,000.00 and N2,000.00 caution fees respectively. The welfare of Staff under the President’s renewed hope agenda has been upgraded and a top priority. The Controller General has warned in various radio messages against any form of extra charges with reference to NCoS.005/S.48/V/84 dated 11th December ,2024 and NCoS.005/S.203/TI/37 dated 8th July, 2025

    “The Cooperative society mentioned in the concoted report serves as a fallback welfare system for retired and deceased personnel, while those who have been dismissed from Service get back their entitlements upon disengagement. Presently, all payments of entitlement to beneficiaries are up to date

    “Furthermore,the cooperative operates a Microfinance finance Bank that provides financial soft -landing for officers and hospitality initiative by establishing COCOS Hotel as it provided employment opportunities for many youths , and attracted commendations from many Nigerians. The hotel is strategically located along Airport road, Abuja and provides resort services especially during transit periods.

    “The Service hereby advise reporters to confirm sources of their information regarding the Nigerian Correctional Service via the Complaint Response Desk email: complaintresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng before going to press.”

  • NCoS CG reads riot act to negligent officers

    NCoS CG reads riot act to negligent officers

    The Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, on Friday warned that officers who neglect their duties would face strict sanctions.

    Nwakuche gave the warning at the decoration ceremony of the 30 newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections (ACGs) in Abuja.

    The NCoS boss expressed disappointment over what he described as the “lackadaisical attitude” of some personnel, which he said had led to recent security breaches in custodial centres.

    “It is obvious that our Zonal Coordinators, State Controllers and Officers In-Charge Custodial Centres have abdicated their duties.

    “This is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. Any further abdication of responsibilities will surely attract the big stick,” he declared.

    Nwakuche, however, charged the newly promoted ACGs to take full control of their respective zones, states and custodial centres, stressing that leadership at their level was about service, not titles.

    He said that the elevation of the officers was not merely a change of insignia but formal recognition of years of diligence, sacrifice and unyielding commitment to duty.

    Describing the rank as the zenith of career progression, he said ACGs were not only managers but strategic leaders whose influence shaped the policies and future direction of the service.

    Quoting leadership expert John C. Maxwell, he reminded them that “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
    He urged them to embody the ideals of the NCoS Act 2019, which promoted a shift from punitive imprisonment to correctional and rehabilitative approaches.

    This, he emphasised, was rooted in the belief that every offender was redeemable.

    He reaffirmed the service’s vision to be a credible Correctional Service that secures, reforms, rehabilitates and re-integrates offenders back into the society.

    The C-G reiterated the service mission to provide excellent custodial and non-custodial services for the provision and promotion of public protection in accordance with global best practices.

    Nwakuche also commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the service, and Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his advocacy on staff welfare, institutional reforms and infrastructural improvement.

    He thanked the families of the newly promoted officers for their sacrifices, describing them as the “silent strength” behind the success of the officers.

    “As we pin these new ranks on your shoulders, let them not be seen as ornaments, but as symbols of trust, accountability, and higher responsibility.

    “We pray for wisdom, courage, strength and grace for the officers to succeed in their new roles.

    “Our nation is watching. The next generation of officers is watching. And history itself will judge how well we lead,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf for the newly promoted senior officers, ACG Sylvanus Yakubu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedicated service to the nation.

    Yakubu described C-G, as a “game changer” whose leadership had brought joy to the officers.

    “We appreciate the game changer for allowing God to use him and for putting smiles on our faces. The God that uses you to put a smile on our faces will continue to bless you, “he prayed.

    Yakubu assured the C-G that the promotion would serve as motivation for greater service, adding that for the officers, elevation meant more work and responsibility to the country.

    “We promise, we will not disappoint you,” he said.

  • Why minors are in adult prisons in Nigeria – NCoS

    Why minors are in adult prisons in Nigeria – NCoS

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has blamed the detention of minors in adult custodial centres on systemic failures at the state level, including the collapse of juvenile remand homes across the country.

    Timothy Dabit, Head of the welfare department of the NCoS, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS.

    The panel was set up by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

    Other members of the panel are: Executive Director, Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), who will serve as the secretary of the panel, Consultant Iyke of Brekete Family, among others.

    Dabit said the presence of underage detainees in adult correctional facilities often stems from situations where children were brought in with warrants from the police.

    “Sometimes, a child arrives with a warrant, and we are obliged to admit them based on that document as it contains details about the child.

    “But when such a child is sent to an adult correctional centre, we question the police about the reason, which degenerates to a matter of contention, hence relying on them to justify the decision,” he said.

    Dabit pointed out that one of the main reasons minors were admitted to adult facilities was the absence of functional juvenile institutions close to the place of arrest.

    According to him, currently, only three such facilities in Kaduna, Ilorin, and Abeokuta are operational.

    “Geographical constraints and lack of facilities force officials to keep minors in inappropriate environments,” he said.

    The NCoS official added that overcrowding was also a problem, with the capacity of the Kaduna borstal pegged at 288 inmates, Ilorin at 250, and Abeokuta at 250.

    He, however, said that due to the shortage of institutions, there was overcapacity in most cases, except at Ilorin.

    He further disclosed that of the three, only Abeokuta was currently functioning for remand purposes.

    “If you go to Ilorin, you will not find inmates or those awaiting trial. So, it is only Abeokuta that is requisitioned for that duty,” he said.

    Dabit stressed that establishing remand homes was constitutionally the duty of state governors.

    According to him, in the past, almost all state governors had functional remand homes. Unfortunately, as we speak, most of them are no longer operational.

    He, however, urged the investigative panel to help persuade state governments to restore their remand facilities so that minors could be placed in safer environments.

    “This panel will do us a lot of good if we can get in contact with the state governors. Let them rejuvenate their remand homes so that young offenders can be put there in calm,” he appealed.

    On the issue of pregnant women in custody, Dabit dismissed claims that women become pregnant while in correctional facilities.

    “Sometimes, pregnant women are brought to custodial centres. Nobody gets pregnant when they are in the custodial centre.

    “The woman is brought in, pregnancy test is conducted immediately. It is an emergency to ensure that the person is free,” Dabit explained.

    The NCoS official also noted that personnel assigned to borstal institutions receive specialised training, wear distinctive uniforms, and work alongside professionals.

    This, he said, were such as psychologists to address the unique needs of minors in custody.

    Despite the NCoS’s explanation, representatives of the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists and the Nigerian Psychological Association, expressed concern about the treatment of minors and other vulnerable populations in correctional facilities.

    Speaking on behalf of both associations, Dr Abigail Onu, commended the panel for bringing national attention to systemic abuses.

    She, however, condemned the continued detention of underage persons in adult prisons.

    “We urge the government to remove children under 18 from adult facilities. provide specialised care centres or approve orphanages with psychological and medical support,” She emphasised.

    Onu stressed the long-term psychological harm such detention causes, citing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

    She called for nationwide reforms, including the recruitment of more psychologists, the adoption of trauma-informed care, and expansion of mental health services in the correctional system.

  • NCoS, INEC move to secure voting rights for prison inmates

    NCoS, INEC move to secure voting rights for prison inmates

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Friday strengthened their collaboration toward securing voting rights for prison inmates across correctional facilities in the country.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and the Controller-General (C-G) of NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, stated this during a courtesy visit of the service to INEC headquarters in Abuja.

    In his remarks, Yakubu said that INEC was aware that “the right to vote is a human right which cannot be taken away from a citizen on account of the term being served in a correctional facility.”

    He noted that in many parts of the world, including some African countries such as Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, inmates exercised the right to vote.

    Yakubu also acknowledged the existing legal precedents, citing Federal High Court and Court of Appeal judgments delivered in Benin in December 2014 and December 2018 respectively, which affirmed the right of awaiting-trial inmates to vote.

    He added the based on the combined provisions of Article 25 of the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (1966) and Section 25 of 1999 Constitution (as amended), the court affirmed the rights of plaintiffs who were inmates awaiting trial to vote in elections.

    Yakubu, however, said that the judges ruled that the right to voluntarily exercise the civic right remained that of the citizen and not a duty to be imposed by force of authority.

    Also speaking, the INEC chairman recalled how the commission had previously set up a joint committee with NCoS to review the technical and logistical issues involved.

    The issues, according to Yakubu, include providing access to correctional facilities for voter registration, creating polling units and ensuring transparency for observers and the media.

    Others, he said, were concerns about allowing political parties to campaign within the NCoS facilities as well as appointment of polling agents.

    Yakubu, however, said that INEC believed that working with NCoS, the challenges could be addressed, taking advantage of the ongoing electoral reform before the National Assembly.

    “As you are aware, election is a process governed by law.

    “Working together, we can seize the opportunity of the ongoing electoral reform for a clear legal provision that will specifically cover citizens serving time in our correctional facilities.

    “Doing so will also clarify the provision of Section 12(1)[e] of the Electoral Act, 2022 on voter registration.

    “A precondition for voting in elections, which restricts the exercise to a Nigerian citizen who ‘is not subject to any legal incapacity to vote under any law, rule or regulations in force in Nigeria’.

    “There are various interpretations as to whether this provision relates to inmate on death row, those serving life sentence or those convicted for treason.

    “Our immediate task is to engage with the national assembly for a clear legal provision on inmate voting. Thereafter, we can address the specific issues that may arise in the course of implementation,’’ he said.

    Yakubu appreciated the role of civil society organisations, particular Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organisation (CAPIO), that had interfaced with INEC and NCoS in their consistent advocacy for inmate voting in Nigeria.

    He said that INEC welcomed the positive disposition of the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral matters on issues of inclusivity in electoral process.

    The INEC chairman pledged the commission’s determination to extend voting rights to inmates in correctional facilities, assuring NCoS that the partnership on election security would continue to be strengthened.

    Earlier in his remarks, the C-G of NCoS, Nwakuche said that the service was committed to ensuring that inmates who were Nigerian and not legally incapacitated were able to participate in the electoral process.

    The controller-general empathised the need to respect the rights of the inmates, including their voting right.

    Nwakuche noted that more than 60 per cent of the 81,000 inmates in Nigeria were waiting trial and they were presumed innocent, until proven guilty, saying that even while as convicts or awaiting trial persons, they still have rights.

    “I am here this morning to discuss with the INEC chairman to see how we can, if possible, extend some of these rights to these inmates. And this is about voting right.

    “I am here following a court ruling on the voting rights of inmates in Benin that also escalated up to the appeal court and there was a judgment on it.

    “Of recent, there was also a national assembly resolution trying to let us know that these people have inalienable rights to vote.

    “For the mere fact that they are in incarceration, we should not deny them the right to vote because they are citizens of this great country. I’m here, chairman, sir, to see how we can escalate these decisions,’’ he said.

    Nwakuche said that the visit was to see how the two establishments could look into the limitations, grey areas and the technical aspects of the court rulings to see how inmates in Nigeria could vote in the nearest future.

  • NCoS suspends officers over passport scandal

    NCoS suspends officers over passport scandal

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has suspended two of its personnel following a recent incident involving a convicted inmate allegedly attempting to process an international passport while in custody.

    This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), DCC Abubakar Umar, on Saturday in Abuja.

    Umar said that the misconduct was detected through the automated passport application system operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), underscoring the effectiveness of ongoing inter-agency cooperation.

    “The Service wishes to clarify that this misconduct was uncovered a fortnight ago through reforms introduced in the NIS, which flagged the irregularity.

    “This particularly speaks to inter-agency collaboration and cooperation,” the statement read.

    “The implicated officers were suspended by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as part of disciplinary measures, ” he said.

    Umar quoted the Controller General of Corrections, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the service’s commitment to discipline, transparency, and professionalism across all custodial facilities nationwide.

    Nwakuche also reiterated the service’s dedication to its core mandates of secure custody, humane treatment, and the reformation of inmates in line with international standards.

    “The Service categorically states that any personnel found engaging in acts of misconduct, corruption, or sabotage will be shown the way out of the system,” he warned.

  • Breaches: Time for complacency over – NCoS warns personnel

    Breaches: Time for complacency over – NCoS warns personnel

    The Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, has warned that any lapses by personnel would attract severe consequences.

    The Controller General said this in an emergency virtual strategy meeting convened on Tuesday in Abuja.

    In a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Abubakar Umar, all zonal coordinators attended the meeting.

    Also in attendance to address growing security concerns ahead of the festive season and anticipated heavy rains are commandants of Training colleges and schools, as well as state command controllers.

    Unwakuche tasked them to focus on proactive strategies to prevent security breaches and ensure the integrity of custodial operations nationwide.

    He directed an immediate audit of all correctional facilities to assess potential vulnerabilities, activation of risk mitigation measures at high-risk centres, and reinforcement of surveillance and internal control mechanisms.

    “This is not just about concrete walls and iron bars. It’s about trust, duty, and the safety of every Nigerian. The time for complacency is over.”

    The controller general also directed them to identify and root out weak links within the custodial chain, and reminded them of the service zero-tolerance policy on negligence, collusion, or dereliction of duty.

    “Any officer found complicit in any form of security lapse will face stiff sanctions,” he added.

    Nwakuche listened to inputs from officers across the regions, commending constructive suggestions while issuing admonitions where necessary.

    He challenged them to embrace innovation and inter-agency collaboration in confronting evolving threats.

    He called for renewed unity, vigilance, and professionalism among correctional staff, with emphasis on strengthening coordination with other security agencies and community stakeholders.

  • 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.

  • Osun: Police release update on Ilesa prison break

    Osun: Police release update on Ilesa prison break

    The Police Command in Osun is yet to receive any official communication on the escape of seven inmates from the the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun.

    The Police Spokesperson for the command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that the police state command had not been officially briefed or informed of the incident by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

    “We heard also about the escape, but there is no official report made to the police by the NCoS. Our Intel revealed to us that actually, there was an escape.

    “The cause of the escape is what we don’t know because our men have gone there.

    “From the intelligience report we got, there is nothing we can lay hands on that made the inmates escape. The NCoS should inform us about what actually happened,” he said.

    Ojelabi said: “the police is out to protect lives and property and any criminal we see, we will apprehend”.

    The NCoS declared seven inmates missing as a result of rain that damaged the security perimeter of the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa in the early hours of Tuesday.

    The heavy rainfall around 2:00 a.m. caused a breach in the facility’s structure, allowing the inmates to escape.

    Confirming the development, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, in a statement signed by Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and assured the public that efforts were underway to return the escapees to custody.

    “The service is working closely with sister security agencies as well as community leaders to recapture the escapees and bring them back to custody,” the NCoS said in the statement.

    “However, the Service solicits the cooperation and support of the public in providing information that may lead to the recapture of the fleeing inmates.”

    Authorities have since launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives.

  • No bomb explosion in Maiduguri custodial centre – NCoS

    No bomb explosion in Maiduguri custodial centre – NCoS

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed a report of bomb blast at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the NCoS Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar, on Monday in Abuja.

    According to him, there has been no reported explosion or security breach at any other correctional facility across the country.

    “All inmates are safe, and daily operations are running smoothly. The public is advised to disregard any rumour suggesting otherwise.

    “The public is also enjoined to remain calm, as all inmates in our custodial centres are going about their treatment regime and there is no cause for alarm”.

    Umar cautioned against spreading false information, especially on social media platforms, stating that such rumours could cause unnecessary panic and erode public confidence in the country’s security institutions.

    He stressed the importance of verifying information from credible and official sources before dissemination, particularly in matters involving national security and public safety.

    The spokesman reiterated the services’ commitment to safety, security, and well-being of inmates, staff and members of the public.

    “NCoS remains proactive in the management and protection of its facilities nationwide.

    “The Maiduguri Custodial Centre, like others across the country, is part of the correctional infrastructure managed by the NCoS to ensure not only the secure detention of inmates but also their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

    “The service will continue to monitor its facilities closely and provide timely updates to the public when necessary,”he assured.

    Umar urged citizens to remain law-abiding and supportive of the ongoing reforms in the correctional system, which were aimed at improving service delivery and enhancing national security.

  • Correctional Service denies involvement in alleged Rivers’ kidnap case

    Correctional Service denies involvement in alleged Rivers’ kidnap case

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has denied any involvement in the reported kidnap of a 12-year-old girl in Rivers, describing the allegation as false and malicious.

    Abubakar Umar, Service Public Relations Officer, (SPRO), Deputy Controller of Corrections, (DCC) said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Umar said that the claim was a fabrication intended to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the organisation.

    “The attention of the NCoS has been drawn to an online publication alleging complicity in the kidnap of a 12-year-old girl in Rivers State.

    “The Service wishes to unequivocally debunk the story as false, malicious, and a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    “The records from Enugu State Command show that no inmate currently in custody bears the name “Chi boy” as claimed in the report.

    According to him, the failure of the reporter to provide full details of the alleged inmate further undermines the credibility of the story.

    “The service categorically states that it is not aware of any kidnap incident in Rivers State or any other command as alleged.

    “At no time was any kidnapper tracked to any custodial facility in Enugu or Delta State,” the spokesperson said.

    Umar added that the service had no knowledge of any ransom payment and maintained that “it does not operate in isolation but in collaboration with other security agencies.”

    He also discredited the claims made by one Enaafe Georgewill, who addressed the press but allegedly never visited any custodial centre to verify his claims.

    The spokesperson noted that the same applied to the author of the viral video, describing their actions as attempts to mislead the public.

    Umar reaffirmed the service’s commitment to upholding discipline and security, stating that “NCoS does not and will not support or engage in criminal activities.”

    He, however, urged media organisations to verify reports before publication to avoid spreading misinformation.