Nigerian Correctional Service

The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a video currently circulating on social media in which a clergyman made certain allegations regarding the operations of the Service, particularly in relation to the admission of an Awaiting Trial Person at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan.

The Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to state unequivocally that the claims and insinuations contained in the video do not accurately represent the true position, procedures, or operational realities of the Service, and appear to be a misrepresentation that could mislead the public and undermine confidence in a critical national institution.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service operates strictly in accordance with the provisions of the law and established custodial procedures.

It is important to clarify that when a court of competent jurisdiction orders that a defendant be remanded in a custodial centre, the responsibility for conveying such an individual from the court to the custodial facility rests squarely with the prosecuting or arresting agency, usually the Police or other relevant law enforcement body that initiated the prosecution. The Nigerian Correctional Service does not undertake the initial conveyance of freshly remanded persons from the court to the custodial centre. Consequently, any suggestion that officers of the Service declined to transport an inmate due to a lack of vehicles is inconsistent with our statutory role and operational mandate.

Furthermore, upon presentation at any custodial centre, every inmate brought with a valid remand warrant is admitted in line with established procedures. However, in situations where an inmate is presented in a state of severe injury or serious ill health, the presenting agency may be advised to seek immediate medical attention for the individual before admission. This is a standard procedure guided by the duty of care and the need to protect the life, health, and safety of persons in custody. Such measures are purely humanitarian and lawful, and should not be misconstrued as a refusal to admit an inmate.

The Nigerian Correctional Service does not demand or require any individual, family member, or prosecuting agency to provide money as a condition for admitting an inmate. Any allegation suggesting otherwise does not reflect the policy, practice, or ethical standards of the Service.

The Service therefore wishes to reassure the general public that it remains committed to the safe, lawful, and humane custody of all persons legally remanded by competent courts. Our personnel are guided by professionalism, integrity, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, and relevant regulations. Any officer found to have violated these standards will be dealt with decisively according to our standing orders.

Members of the public are urged to disregard misleading narratives and to seek clarification from official channels whenever in doubt.

The Nigerian Correctional Service remains steadfast in the discharge of its mandate and will continue to contribute to public safety, justice administration, and the rehabilitation of offenders in line with global best practices.