By Ibironke Ariyo
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to undertaking a comprehensive reform of the Nigerian prison system.
Ajani made this statement at the second public hearing of the Independent Panel of Inquiry into Allegations of Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture and Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment of Sergeant, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has set up a panel in September 2024 to investigate allegations of serious corruption and abuse of power against some members of the NCoS.
NAN reports that Tunji-Ojo, who is also the chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional Services, Fire and Immigration Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officials overseeing the maximum and minimum detention centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State.
Allegations of misconduct had earlier been levelled against cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Ajani, who also chaired the panel, said one of the panel’s key priorities was to ensure the full implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019. He added that custodial and non-custodial measures must be clearly implemented across the country.
“This is a panel of inquiry that is to address torture and what is happening in our prison service.
“The objective of the committee is to identify the challenges facing the prison system and propose solutions that lead to a comprehensive reform of the service.
“We want to ensure that the prison system develops into a modern, efficient and humane institution that meets international standards.
“The Committee has heard from stakeholders, including the prison service, and identified challenges in implementing the law.
“This is particularly true for judges and prosecutors who claim to be ignorant of parts of the law.
“We recognise the challenges facing the prison system and are determined to address them.
“We will work with all stakeholders, including the judiciary, the police and civil society organisations, to ensure that the penal system is reformed and justice is served,” he said.
Ajani expressed hope that at the end of the public hearing, the committee would be able to discuss observations and challenges in the prison system and find ways to address them.
“We are confident that with the support of all stakeholders, we can achieve comprehensive prison reform and create a better future for all Nigerians,” he said.
In his submission, the Comptroller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, urged the judiciary to better understand the provisions of the NCoS Act, 2019, as they pose challenges to the service in implementing prison orders.
Nwakuche, who was represented by Ibrahim Idris, the Deputy Comptroller General (ACG), said the NCoS had encountered challenges in implementing the law due to lack of understanding on the part of the judiciary.
According to him, the sergeant has worked hard to implement the provisions of the law, but the lack of understanding on the part of the judiciary has been a big challenge.
“We are appealing to the judiciary to help us understand the spirit of the law.
“It is extremely difficult for prison officers to ignore court orders, but sometimes the courts do not understand the provisions of the law,” he said.
“We are not asking for much. “We just want the judiciary to understand the provisions of the law and work with us to implement the detention orders,” he said.
