The Nigerian Correctional Service has reacted to reports alleging that inmates were being poorly fed and dying of hunger in custodial centres across the country.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, said the reports were “misleading, sensational, and grossly inaccurate.”
TheFact Daily gathers that according to reports, inmates at various correctional centres across the country had alleged that they are being poorly fed, with many decrying that they were dying of hunger. From being served raw food, food spiked with chemicals to keep the inmates too weak to revolt, to inadequate rations not even fit for a dog, the story is gory and pathetic.
Umar however stressed that the claims, which were “completely untrue” do not reflect the actual situation in the country’s custodial facilities, explaining that
the Federal Government makes dedicated budgetary provisions every year for the feeding of inmates, and that the funds were judiciously utilised under strict supervision and guidelines.
According to him, all custodial centres are governed by operational procedures that ensure the proper and timely feeding of all inmates.
“The Federal Government allocates funds specifically for the feeding of inmates, and the process is strictly monitored to ensure compliance with established standards.
The allegation that inmates are dying of hunger is unfounded. There is no record in any of our custodial centres that inmates are being starved or dying because of inadequate feeding”, he said, adding that it is completely false to insinuate that inmates are left to starve or that hunger is leading to deaths within the facilities.
He assured that inmates are properly fed and their welfare remains a top priority for the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The Service’s spokesman noted that the report was not only unethical but also defied logic, given the tight security measures and restricted access to correctional centres.
Umar said that entry into correctional centres was governed by strict protocols requiring written applications, approval from the Officer-in-Charge, and in some cases, clearance from the Controller-General.
“I wonder how a journalist could claim to have interviewed inmates inside a custodial facility. These are high-security zones where you can’t just walk in, let alone carry recording devices.
“Even cameras and mobile phones are prohibited because of the risk of concealed recording. So, for anyone to say they interviewed inmates inside a custodial centre is nothing but a fabrication,” he added.
Umar emphasised that the NCoS had strengthened its internal monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper use of resources meant for inmates’ welfare, including the feeding programme.
He said that the officers in charge of custodial centres were held accountable, and there was a supervisory system at the national and state levels to ensure that the approved standards were maintained.
He pointed out that the NCoS had a zero-tolerance policy for negligence or mismanagement relating to the welfare of inmates.
“We maintain a robust accountability system. Any officer found wanting in the discharge of their duties faces appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the law”, he stated.
