By Ibironke Ariyo

The Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption and Other Violations Against the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reviewed the Service’s compliance with provisions of the NCoS Act 2019, on rehabilitation, reintegration, and the management of enterprise proceeds.

Secretary of the panel, Dr Uju Agomoh, gave the summary of day three proceedings of the third public hearing on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that discussions focused on Sections 10 and 14 of the Act.

Agomoh said that on Section 10, subsections D, E, F, G and H, the provisions emphasised identifying causes of antisocial behaviour, assessing inmates’ risks and needs, and carrying out behavioural modification activities.

She said that the panel directed the NCoS to provide correctional centres state by state, the total number of facilities, the status of each workshop, and details of other activities in place to actualise Section 10, subsections D to H.

“Where these are not being met, they should indicate what needs to be done to achieve compliance.

“And if there are locations where they are being implemented, we want to know where they are,” she said.

Agomoh said that the sub-team on rehabilitation and reintegration also reviewed Section 14, which contains robust provisions on the management of enterprises and proceeds.

The panel examined Section 14(4)(a), which mandates that one-third of profits from farms and vocational industries be allocated to inmates.

She said the panel requested a centre-by-centre, state-by-state report on the applicability of the provision, the number of inmates who have benefited, adding that where it has not been implemented, reasons for the omission and what can be done to ensure compliance should be made.

Agomoh stressed that Section 14(4)(b), which required the creation of a revolving fund to sustain enterprises, must also be applied.

“The idea is that once this is in place, it will prevent situations where workshops stop functioning because funds meant to remain in them are diverted,” she said.

The panel, she added, requested detailed figures for each correctional centre on how much has been retained from enterprise proceeds for workshops.

“It also asked for timelines, explanations of challenges, and possible support to help the Service implement the provision,” she said.

Agomoh said that the panel discussed the need for innovation and incentives to recognise correctional centres that demonstrated good practices.

This, she said, were both in the number of inmates engaged in workshops and the variety of enterprises in operation.

The panel further asked for a detailed list of all workshops and farm centres, the number of participating inmates, and any trends or lessons that could be drawn from the data.

Agomoh said that the issue of aftercare services was also discussed, with the panel seeking clarification on whether they would be more effectively utilised under the non-custodial directorate established by the 2019 Act to oversee community-based activities.

She also confirmed that the panel had received a list of all inmates trained between January and July 2025, as well as the equipment distributed during that period.

“However, it requested a complete breakdown by correctional centre, type of trade or skill, and whether trade tests were conducted,” she said.

According to her, the day’s session also covered other issues connected to rehabilitation, reintegration, and post-release support, with emphasis on ensuring that legal provisions translate into practical results for the benefit of inmates and society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says there is no record of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in custodial centres across the country.

Ibrahim Idris, Deputy Controller General (DCG) of the Legal Department at the Service, said this in Abuja at the ongoing 3rd public hearing on alleged corruption and other violations within the service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Ministry of Interior had earlier established an Independent Investigative Panel on allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture, and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment against the NCoS.

Speaking during the hearing, Idris stated that in recent years, there had been no incidents, or even consideration, of physical assault against inmates.

“Even the decision of possibly touching an inmate has never come up. So, it is not there. Such things don’t happen,” he insisted.

He described such reports as unfounded and often sensationalised on social media.

Idris encouraged Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) visiting custodial centres to freely engage with inmates on the matters.

“I encourage NGOs that visit the correctional centres to feel free with the inmates and interview them on these issues.

“If there is any proven issue with evidence, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, welcomes such reports and will take immediate action,” he said.

Idris also highlighted that Section 34 of the relevant law, as cited during the hearing, was not merely a guideline but a legal mandate that must be followed when handling imprisonment cases.

He further emphasised that the NCoS was committed to inmate empowerment, especially for women.

 According to him, female inmates who are discharged receive starter packs, including hairdressing tools, knitting materials, and other vocational kits, every quarter to help their reintegration into society.

“This is always televised across the country. Anyone who follows our activities can attest to that. We empower not only men but particularly female inmates,” he added.

Idris reaffirmed that the NCoS operates an open-door policy for complaints and urged anyone with evidence of staff misconduct, especially concerning female inmates, to report directly to the Controller-General or designated officers for prompt action.

Meanwhile, the Regy & Henry Amazing Grace Foundation, has called for urgent reforms to address the plight of women in custody and tackle gender-related issues across Nigeria.

Dr Regina Duru, National Coordinator of the Foundation, made the appeal in a position paper titled Women in Custody and Gender-Related Issues in Nigeria.

Duru stated that the foundation was committed to promoting the rights and dignity of women and girls, particularly those affected by poverty, violence, and exploitation.

She noted that women in Nigerian prisons faced several challenges, including poor living conditions, inadequate healthcare, and separation from their families.

“Many women are incarcerated for minor offences, and some are victims of circumstance rather than hardened criminals,” she said.

Duru identified gender-based violence (GBV) as a widespread problem in Nigeria, which disproportionately affected women and girls.

According to her, GBV takes multiple forms, including physical, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as sexual exploitation.

She also pointed out that Nigerian women face significant barriers to economic empowerment, including limited access to education, employment, and land ownership.

On healthcare, Duru stressed that women’s health remained a critical concern, particularly in maternal health, reproductive rights, and hygiene.

The foundation made four key recommendations, including reforming the prison system to prioritise the rehabilitation and reintegration of women offenders.

“Implement policies and programmes to prevent and respond to GBV, including awareness campaigns, survivor support services, and strict prosecution of perpetrators.

“Support women’s economic empowerment through vocational training, microfinance, and advocacy for equal land access.

“Strengthen healthcare systems to ensure access to quality maternal care, reproductive health services, and GBV response services.”

Duru called on the Nigerian government, civil society, and individuals to work together to tackle these pressing issues. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has blamed the detention of minors in adult custodial centres on systemic failures at the state level, including the collapse of juvenile remand homes across the country.

Timothy Dabit, Head of Welfare Department, NCoS, disclosed this in Abuja, during the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the panel was set up by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.

Other members of the panel are: Executive Director, Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), who will serve as the secretary of the panel, Consultant Iyke of Brekete Family, among others.

Dabit said the presence of underage detainees in adult correctional facilities often stems from situations where children were brought in with warrants from the police.

“Sometimes, a child arrives with a warrant, and we are obliged to admit them based on that document as it contains details about the child.

“But when such a child is sent to an adult correctional centre, we question the police about the reason, which degenerates to a matter of contention, hence relying on them to justify the decision,” he said.

Dabit pointed out that one of the main reasons minors were admitted to adult facilities was the absence of functional juvenile institutions close to the place of arrest.

According to him, currently, only three such facilities in Kaduna, Ilorin, and Abeokuta are operational.

“Geographical constraints and lack of facilities force officials to keep minors in inappropriate environments,” he said.

The NCoS official added that overcrowding was also a problem, with the capacity of the Kaduna borstal pegged at 288 inmates, Ilorin at 250, and Abeokuta at 250.

He, however, said that due to the shortage of institutions, there was overcapacity in most cases, except at Ilorin.

He further disclosed that of the three, only Abeokuta was currently functioning for remand purposes.

“If you go to Ilorin, you will not find inmates or those awaiting trial. So, it is only Abeokuta that is requisitioned for that duty,” he said.

Dabit stressed that establishing remand homes was constitutionally the duty of state governors.

According to him, in the past, almost all state governors had functional remand homes. Unfortunately, as we speak, most of them are no longer operational.

He, however, urged the investigative panel to help persuade state governments to restore their remand facilities so that minors could be placed in safer environments.

“This panel will do us a lot of good if we can get in contact with the state governors. Let them rejuvenate their remand homes so that young offenders can be put there in calm,” he appealed.

On the issue of pregnant women in custody, Dabit dismissed claims that women become pregnant while in correctional facilities.

“Sometimes, pregnant women are brought to custodial centres. Nobody gets pregnant when they are in the custodial centre.

“The woman is brought in, pregnancy test is conducted immediately. It is an emergency to ensure that the person is free,” Dabit explained.

The NCoS official also noted that personnel assigned to borstal institutions receive specialised training, wear distinctive uniforms, and work alongside professionals.

This, he said, were such as psychologists to address the unique needs of minors in custody.

Despite the NCoS’s explanation, representatives of the Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists and the Nigerian Psychological Association, expressed concern about the treatment of minors and other vulnerable populations in correctional facilities.

Speaking on behalf of both associations, Dr Abigail Onu, commended the panel for bringing national attention to systemic abuses.

She, however, condemned the continued detention of underage persons in adult prisons.

“We urge the government to remove children under 18 from adult facilities. provide specialised care centres or approve orphanages with psychological and medical support,” she emphasised.

Onu stressed the long-term psychological harm such detention causes, citing the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences.

She called for nationwide reforms, including the recruitment of more psychologists, the adoption of trauma-informed care, and expansion of mental health services in the correctional system. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Yakubu Uba