Over 100 inmates at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, have cried out over alleged acts of systemic corruption and extortion perpetrated against them by officials of the custodial facility.
Already, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche has ordered an immediate investigation of the allegations.
The allegations were contained in a petition by an Abuja- based legal practitioner, Bala Dakum on behalf of the inmates, which was addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service.
The petition dated February 11 and received by the NCoS same date, specifically alleged that the Comptroller in charge of the Kuje Correctional Center and his officials are involved in systematic extortion of inmates.
He listed the alleged corrupt and fraudulent activities to include unlawful payments forced on the Inmates for some basic rights and services, especially medical attention, humane treatment, and movement within the facility.
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Nwakuche who confirmed receipt of the petition, has assured that the allegations, which constitute gross misconduct, will be thoroughly investigated.
It is worth mentioning that similar allegations of corruption, bribery, and extortion have trailed the Kuje facility for years, dating back to 2017.
In the petition, the affected inmates called on the CG to carry out an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations against the officers and to mete out appropriate punishment to erring officers.
“I am a Solicitor to over 100 inmates in Kuje Correction Centre Abuja, in my capacity as a legal practitioner and concerned stakeholder in the administration of justice system, I hereby petition you.
“It is with deep sense of responsibility that I write on behalf of my clients to formally bring to your attention a series of grave allegations bordering on abuse of office, corruption and gross misconduct against the Controller in charge of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja (name withheld) and his aides.
“The inmates, their families, and other credible sources have repeatedly alleged that the officer has used his position to facilitate a systematic extortion of inmates through his aides (names withheld).
“These acts reportedly include, but are not limited to, demands for unlawful payments in exchange for access to basic rights and privileges such as medical attention, movement within the facility, humane treatment and other services that inmates are legally entitled to without inducement.”
Dakum alleged that these acts are carried out with the knowledge, consent or tacit approval of the controller in charge, thereby creating an environment of fear, exploitation and injustice within the facility,
“Such conducts, constitute serious violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, the Public Service Rules and the constitutional rights of inmates, as well as undermines public confidence in the correctional system, safety of inmates, officers and the administration of justice as a whole.
“The situation is creating serious agitations among the inmates and unless you act fast, the situation may degenerate into chaos and the safety of the officers and inmates will be in danger.
“Given the sensitive nature of the allegations and the strategic position occupied by the officer, there is a reasonable apprehension that his continued stay in charge of the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja may interfere with any impartial investigation, intimidate potential witnesses, or lead to suppression of evidence,” he said.
Accordingly, the inmates are demanding “That an independent and thorough investigation be instituted immediately into the allegations of extortion, abuse of office, and misconduct against the officers (subject their accounts to forensic investigations).
“That the officers be redeployed or transferred to a non-sensitive post pending the conclusion of investigations, in order to preserve the integrity of the process and ensure the safety of my clients.
“That appropriate disciplinary and legal actions be taken against the erring officers,” the petition reads.
