Investigative Panel Begins Probe of Senior Prison Officials Over Corruption Scandal
The special independent investigative panel set up to examine corruption and rights violations within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced its probe, focusing on senior officers accused of abuse of office and misconduct.
Chairing the session on Tuesday in Abuja, the panel’s secretary, Dr. Uju Agomoh, revealed that multiple cases under investigation involve high-ranking correctional officers in charge of custodial centers across Nigeria. The allegations range from financial corruption to gross human rights abuses, including torture and inhumane treatment of inmates.
Dr. Agomoh emphasized that the panel is tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry into specific corruption cases while recommending urgent reforms to prevent future violations.
“Recent reports have detailed shocking instances of corruption, torture, and degrading treatment by correctional officers in Nigerian prisons. These include violations of laid-down procedures, abuse of authority, and extortion of inmates, all of which compromise the dignity and rights of those in custody,” she stated.
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The panel is expected to provide short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions to tackle the deep-seated corruption within the correctional system.
High-Profile Cases Under Investigation
The probe gained momentum following a national controversy over whether cross-dresser Idris Okunneya (Bobrisky) served his sentence in the designated custodial center. The lack of transparency in his incarceration raised questions about possible preferential treatment and irregularities within the system.
Additionally, the panel is investigating Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, the officer in charge of Kuje Custodial Centre, who has been accused of intimidation, threats, and defrauding an inmate. These revelations have intensified scrutiny on how correctional facilities are managed.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, established the investigative panel as part of a broader effort to sanitize the correctional system and restore public confidence in the administration of justice. The findings of this inquiry are expected to shape future policies and reforms aimed at curbing corruption and improving the welfare of inmates.
With the panel’s work underway, Nigerians eagerly await revelations from the investigation and the government’s next steps in ensuring accountability within the country’s correctional institutions.
By PRNigeria
