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Tag: NCoS

  • ‘It’s untrue,’ NCoS denies poor feeding allegations in correctional centres

    ‘It’s untrue,’ NCoS denies poor feeding allegations in correctional centres

    The Nigeria Correctional Service ( NCoS) has dismissed a report alleging poor feeding in Custodial centres as untrue and do not reflect the service’s committment to inmates welfare.

    The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar said this in an interview with NAN on Wednesday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered an investigation into the feeding conditions of inmates at the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, Cross River State.

    The directive followed a viral video alleging that inmates at the custodial centre were being subjected to inhumane treatment, including being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast.

    Umar reiterated the commitment of the NCoS commitment to reform, rehabilitate and care for inmates in custody.

    He emphasised that it was focused on correcting those in conflict with the law through behaviour modification and skill acquisition programme.

    “The name change connote a philosophy of correction to train the mind of those in our custody on behaviour modification.

    “The new global standard goes beyond just addressing the viral video allegedly showcasing subpar food in our custodial centers.

    “It also emphasises the importance of upholding the dignity of inmates in our care by ensuring they receive adequate medical attention and holistic care.

    “The allegation is been looked into as directed by the Minister of Interior and until then, we cannot confirm or deny that the trending video is from one of our custodial centres.

    “I see that as a kind of misgiving as the current administration is doing so much in ensuring that internal security of all citizens going about their normal businesses are assured and furthermore, the responsibility of the NCoS is to see that our mandate is achieved through reformation and rehabilitation.

    “The allegation is a serious one that the Federal Government has frowned at but until the committee set up to actually investigate such allegations , the service cannot speak much on it now,” the service said.

    The service said that it inherited a colonial-era system, it was actively working to modernise and transform it to align with contemporary standards of penal administration and meet the evolving needs of the society.

    “We make bold to say that for several years now, we have never had internal insurrection between our system, that is to say who ever must have made that statement is not correct.

    “This is because, first, for you to be able to reform someone, you must gain his or her trust and have a serene environment to care for such person.

    “You must be able to feed the person not to the way he or she actually wants but to a reasonable level of care to be given to such person.

    “So as such, we have been able to do that and I want to say that people should commend the NCoS for the frugal use of financial resources at their disposal,” he said.

    Umar said that the feeding allowance for inmates undergoes constant review and revision.

    ”As part of our commitment to the welfare of all individuals, including those in conflict with the law, the current government has taken the first step in increasing the feeding allowance for inmates.

    “This initial increase will be followed by a thorough assessment of the inmates’ dietary requirements, with further adjustments to the feeding allowance made as necessary to guarantee their health and well-being.

    “It is not a hidden fact that the amount used to feed our inmates is inadequate but recently, the Government has actually review the amount for feeding inmates with 50 per cent.

    “This means, we are not only going to have improved feeding system in our custodial centres but we are also going to augment it with our products from our farm centre across the Federation,”

    It  emphasised that it had significantly broadened its reformation and rehabilitation initiatives within the custodial centers, providing inmates with valuable skills acquisition programs, including agricultural training, to empower them for successful reintegration into society.

    “We also offer farming initiatives, recognising that acquiring agricultural skills will greatly benefit inmates upon their release, enhancing their reintegration into society and empowering them to become self-sufficient individuals,” the spokesperson said.

    He said that the Interior Minister, a shining example of dedication in this administration, took notice of the feeding issue and had been instrumental in driving reforms.

    “That is why upon his assumption in office, he pushed for the upgrade, renovation and even construction of new custodial centres.

    “It is not a hidden fact today that, if you go to Kuje Custodial centre, it is a phototype of what will be a replica in other state custodial centres in the federation.

    “This is to show that the government means business on the issue of internal security vis-a-vis the issue of reforming those who are in our custody,”he said.

  • DANGER: NCoS raises alarm over 31 fleeing inmates from Suleja prison

    DANGER: NCoS raises alarm over 31 fleeing inmates from Suleja prison

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has called on the general public to cooperate with the service to recapture 31 fleeing inmates as they posed danger to public safety and national security.

    The Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC) Abubakar Umar said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    A downpour on April 24, wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, resulting in extensive damage to the facility and facilitating the escape of 119 inmates.

    The downpour caused severe damage to the custodial centre’s infrastructure, including a breach in the perimeter fence, allowing inmates to flee.

    Umar said that the general public was further informed that the NCoS had since deployed overt and covert strategies towards recapturing all escapees.

    He assured that security in custodial facilities nationwide was beefed up to forestall any security breaches.

    According to him, the service wishes to publish the information of some escapees from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, FCT Command.

    “This in which was as a result of the unfortunate collapse of the facility’s perimeter wall following a heavy downpour. This has become pertinent in an effort to recapture them and bring them back to custody.

    “The information of the fugitives are hereby published for sister security agencies as well as the general public to look out for them in an attempt to recapture them and bring them back to the facility.

    “If any of the escapees is sighted, the public can report to the nearest security agent or agency or may call the following numbers: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.

    “The public can also contact us through our email on: info@corrections.gov.ng or complaintsresponsedesk@corrections.gov.ng,”.

  • NCoS raises alarm over attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into custodial centres

    NCoS raises alarm over attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into custodial centres

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has raised an alarm over attempts by some visitors to smuggle illicit drugs into its custodial centres.

    DSC Adamu Duza, the Public Relations Officer, NCoS FCT Command, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “Recently, after much surveillance, we intercepted drug peddlers at the NCoS custodial centre in Kuje.

    “At about three o’clock on Wednesday, men of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, apprehended one Fidelis Emmanuel with substances suspected to be cannabis otherwise known as Indian hemp.

    “During preliminary investigation, the suspect came with food in a flask to visit his friend who is in the custody of the correctional centre.

    “It was in the process of routine search that the prohibited item was found concealed under the food flask and the suspect was apprehended,” he said.

    Duza said that the Comptroller of the FCT Command, Mr John Francis had ordered that the suspect be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (NDLEA) for the law to take its course.

    He said that the comptroller had also heightened security and surveillance at the various centres in the FCT, to uncover visitors who disguise to smuggle illicit drugs into the centres.

    ‘’Officers of the custodial centre are now on the watch out for those who hide under the guise of visitors to sabotage and discredit the efforts of the Nigeria Correctional Service in rehabilitating offenders.

    ‘’We urge members of the public, genuine families and friends of inmates to join in the fight against drug abuse in order to curb crimes, ensure rehabilitation of inmates, reinstatement back to society and decongestion of custodial centres,’’ he said.

  • Bobrisky’s actual gender revealed after thorough examination in prison

    Bobrisky’s actual gender revealed after thorough examination in prison

    The Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) has revealed the actual gender of Nigerian social media celebrity and alleged LGBT personality, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the correctional service to have disclosed that Bobrisky underwent thorough physical examination, which revealed no evidence of gender or genital organ realignment.

    Recall a Federal High Court in Lagos State sentenced convicted Bobrisky to six months in prison for abuse of the Naira. The court did not give the social media celebrity an option of fine.

    Bobrisky was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following which, he was convicted on April 5, after he pleaded guilty to charges filed against him.

    The judge, Justice Abimbola Awogboro, in sentencing Bobrisky held that the prison term would take effect from the date of his arrest, and he was immediately whisked away by EFCC operatives to Ikoyi prison.

    He had been said to underwent gender transformation from being a man to becoming a woman. However, a prison official has confirmed that Bobrisky’s male biological characteristics remained unchanged.

    The NCoS official said: “Bobrisky was perceived as an ordinary detainee and underwent a thorough examination, which revealed no evidence of gender or genital organ realignment. His male biological characteristics remained unchanged”.

    Recall before Bobrisky was sentenced, Justice Awogboro asked him about his sex to which he quickly replied, “I am a man”.

    Meanwhile, the Spokesperson of NCoS has confirmed Bobrisky is being kept in the male section of the Ikoyi prison facility.

    “Since he admitted to being a male in court, then we have to abide by what was submitted in court,” NCoS Spokesperson had said.

    Meanwhile, the EFCC has disclosed that more celebrities are under the radar of the commission for investigation over abuse of the Naira.

  • NCoS speaks on inmates being fed with N200 daily

    NCoS speaks on inmates being fed with N200 daily

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), says each inmate in custodial facilities nationwide is being fed with N750 daily, not N200 as mischievously circulated in a section of the media.

    A statement by the Service Public Relations Officers, Mr Abubakar Umar on Thursday in Abuja, said the media report was false, misleading and mischievous in all ramifications.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the public may wish to note that feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria is in the public domain, and vendors are paid the approved amount upon completion of supply.

    “Contract for ration supply is usually made public, and the conditions clearly stated for interested vendors to apply in line with the Public Procurement Act 2007.

    “Furthermore, every custodial centre has a ration committee that exercises supervisory role over quality assurance of supply, preparation, and distribution to inmates to ensure that they are fed within the approved budget.

    “The authorities have over the years, demonstrated commitment towards improving inmates’ welfare in terms of feeding as well as empowerment through effective reformation and rehabilitation programmes,” Umar said.

    According to him, the Service is making efforts to get approval for upward review of the feeding allowance to reflect current economic realities.

    “It is unfair and unpatriotic for anyone to fabricate stories just to denigrate the Service.

    “The public is advised to discountenance the false report.

    “Be assured of the irrevocable commitment of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa to work for the general good of persons in custody even as genuine support of well-meaning Nigerians would continue to be appreciated.”

  • NCoS spends over N241 million to feed security dogs

    NCoS spends over N241 million to feed security dogs

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that the service spends over N241 million to feed security dogs in its facilities spread across the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Comptroller General of NCoS, Alhaji Haliru Nababa made the disclosure when he appeared before the National Assembly (NASS) Joint Committee on Interior for the 2024 budget defence.

    Addressing the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Nababa also disclosed that the service spends over N20 billion to feed inmates in the correctional centres.

    He said the service had a total of 81,358 inmates nationwide, saying that 53,362 of the inmates were awaiting trial.

    “We feed each inmate with N750 daily and they are fed three times daily (N250 for each square meal). We have 900 security dogs and to feed a dog each day we spend N800,” Nababa said.

    However, the Senate threatened to step down consideration on the 2024 budget of the NCoS over insufficient information.

    Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, said he was unhappy with the services being rendered to inmates by the NCoS.

    “Your organisation has transformed from Nigeria Prison Service to Nigerian Correctional Service but you have yet to change in your attitudes toward inmates.

    “It’s not just your fault because the government appropriates little money for you, it is either you don’t feed the inmates or you feed them only once and even at that, very miserable food.

    “This is why they have completely emaciated and some can never live a decent life again even when they did not commit an offence.

    “You all know the price of food items in the market, so how can you look us eye to eye and tell us that you feed a man in Nigeria with N750 a day, how much is a bottle of water,” he said.

    He said that the committee would not be in a haste to approve any budget for the service until it received satisfactory answers.

  • Emefiele not forcefully removed from prison – NCoS

    Emefiele not forcefully removed from prison – NCoS

    The Controller General of Nigeria’s Correctional Service (NCS), Haliru Nababa, has denied alleged forceful removal of Mr Godwin Emefiele, former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, from its custody.

    He said the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made no such attempt.

    He said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, in Abuja, on Thursday following a petition by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency

    Rep. Mike Etaba, the chairman of the committee, however, dismissed the petition on the grounds that it was subjudice.

    According to him, “this matter is in court, we can’t forge ahead with this matter because it is subjudice to us. This matter is hereby dismissed from this committee.

    Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), Director, Legal and Prosecution Department of EFCC, said it was inappropriate to entertain the petition as it bordered on a subsisting court matter.

    Nababa, who was represented by the Assistant Controller-General in Charge of Operations, Nwakeze Emmanuel, said such attempted abduction did not happen

    “As far as we are concerned, we are not aware of any alleged attempt to forcefully release Emefiele, as he is still in our custody, bubbling.”

    EFCC’s legal representative, Tahir, had earlier said, “The petition which we perused borders on a pending court case.

    “There is a subsisting criminal charge against Emefiele on whose behalf the petitioners have petitioned.”

  • How FG raised N585m to pay fines for release of prisoners

    How FG raised N585m to pay fines for release of prisoners

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has disclosed how the federal government raised N585 million to pay fines and secure the release of 4,068 inmates from correctional centres across the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Tunji-Ojo made the disclosure on Saturday at the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre, where 37 of the inmates were released.

    He stressed that those being released, as part of efforts to decongest correctional centres across the country, were inmates who were unable to pay fines after their conviction by the courts.

    “This is in our bid to decongest custodial centres and make them humane for proper reformation and rehabilitation of offenders.

    “As at yesterday, there were about 80,804 inmates in 253 custodial facilities nationwide which total installed capacity for the 253 Custodial Centres adds up to less than 50,000.

    “This shows that our custodial facilities are over-crowded, thus necessitating this initiative we are witnessing today, which is targeted towards addressing the overcrowding conundrum bedeviling our custodial centres and their reformatory function.”

    Tunji-Ojo said that the decongestion project is being done by the Federal Government, individuals, groups and corporate organisations.

    The minister said N585 million was raised by individuals, groups and corporate bodies to facilitate the release of  indigent inmates.

    He explained that all inmates in custodial centres who have fines or compensations to pay, not exceeding N1 million, will benefit from the gesture.

    “Suffice it to mention at this point that we are not just releasing them to their fates; we have given them requisite training aimed at impacting their lives functionally.

    “As well as equipping them with knowledge for their self-reliance upon discharge and reintegration back to the society.

    “The training also covers their civic duties and responsibilities as citizens, and strategies of refraining from re-offending,” Tunji-Ojo said.

    According to him, the initiative is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu administration.

    “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its custodial facilities.

    “It is based on this premise that this administration is poised to transform custodial and non-custodial facilities to ensure compliance with international human rights standards and good correctional practices,” he added.

    Tunji-Ojo commended the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOs) for providing the needed platform and mechanisms for safe and humane custody of inmates.

    He said that the service had contributed to national security by ensuring the custody of deviants, thereby protecting the society.

    The minister promised that the federal government would support the service to function effectively and efficiently, especially in upscaling staff and inmates’ welfare.

    He also appreciated all the stakeholders who facilitated the noble gesture.

    Tunji-Ojo said every Nigerian has a stake in ensuring that offenders are properly reformed, rehabilitated and reintegrated back to their various communities.

    “By so doing, we will be promoting public safety and by extension, national security. It behoves on all of us therefore, to ensure that we support offenders’ reformatory process.”

    He also called on the larger society to receive the returning citizens with open arms and desist from stigmatising them, so as not to drive them back to criminality.

    Tunji-Ojo implored the released inmates to grab the opportunity to become better citizens and join hands to make Nigeria greater.

    Earlier, the Controller-General of NCOs, Mr Haliru Nababa, urged the freed inmates to see the gesture as an opportunity to properly reintegrate themselves back into the society and avoiding criminal acts.

    He thanked those who facilitated the release of the inmates,  and urged other good spirited individuals, groups and corporate bodies to also join the noble effort to decongest the custodial centres.

  • We are ready to show the door to whoever wants to sab­otage NCoS – Interior Minister Warns

    We are ready to show the door to whoever wants to sab­otage NCoS – Interior Minister Warns

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has warned the personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to take their job serious­ly or be shown the way out.

    Tunji-Ojo While speaking at the na­tional headquarters of NCoS in Abuja on Wednesday, also warned that he would not tolerate sabotage from the per­sonnel.

    There have been series of jail breaks in custodial centres across the country in the last few years while the issue of jail congestion remain unresolved.

    He said, “We are ready to show the door to whoever wants to sab­otage us.”

    The minister said he was at the ministry to implement the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of Pres­ident Bola Tinubu and would not allow anyone to sabotage his efforts.

    He vowed to make the ser­vice “a correctional institution rather than a condemnation service.”

     

  • 69% of inmates are awaiting-trial persons – NCoS

    69% of inmates are awaiting-trial persons – NCoS

    A total of 54,171 inmates out of the 79,076 inmates in correctional centres nationwide as at July 31, are awaiting-trial persons.

    Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr Haliru Nababa gave the figure on Thursday in Abuja at an international conference on prisoners’ justice.

    The conference held to commemorate the 2023 International Prisoners Justice Day.

    Nababa was represented at the conference by the Deputy Controller-General, Finance and Accounts Department of the NCoS, Mr Abdulai Magaji.

    “As at July 31, no fewer than 54,171 inmates, representing 69 per cent of the 79,076 inmates are awaiting-trial persons, while 24,905 inmates, representing 31 per cent are convicts.

    “This remains the most daunting setback confronting the NCoS. One can only imagine the enormity of having to consistently produce inmates in court when required.

    “This is coupled with the complications of managing such high number of pre-trial detainees amidst overcrowding,’’ he said.

    He noted that the NCoS Act (2019) provided the service with a more robust framework to contribute significantly to prompt justice delivery in Nigeria.

    He said the significance of the conference could not be overemphasised given the fact that justice is essentially the cornerstone of any social system.

    “Justice is foundational to the sustenance and growth of any human society. It emphasises the rights and dignity of all persons, including those behind bars.

    “This largely underpins the aptness of the theme for this conference: “Enhancing Global Response for Prisoners’ Justice,’’ he said.

    He added that safe and humane custody in custodial centres is the high point of justice delivery for persons in custody and for the society at large.

    Magaji said improved logistics support for the NCoS had resulted in significant improvement in access to justice by awaiting-trial inmates.

    He said also that the era of inmates missing their day in court due to lack of mobility had been mitigated to its barest minimum.

    Earlier, the Chief Convener of the conference, Rev. Fr. Victor Nyoroh said the theme was apt as the whole world was laying emphasis on the humane treatment of people in detention.

    “We as a nation cannot be left behind, but must do all that is within our powers to ensure inmates get quick justice,’’ he said.

    He stressed that Aug. 10 was set aside for prisoners and their supporters to honour those who died unnatural deaths in prisons.

    The date was also set aside for those demanding changes to a criminal justice system that dehumanises and brutalises them, he said.

    “This is the reason why stakeholders in the criminal justice system are gathered here to chart a way forward to enhance prisoner’s justice in spite of challenges facing this sector of the economy,’’ he said.

    The Prisoners’ Justice Day is a solidarity movement that holds annually on Aug. 10 globally.

    The movement began in Canada in 1974 in support of prisoners’ rights and to remember all the people who had died of unnatural deaths while in incarceration.