FG Vows to Prevent Recurrence of Suleja Custodial Centre Incident

The Federal Government has pledged to ensure that none of its 256 custodial centres across the country suffer the same fate as the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, which was compromised on April 24.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this vow after inspecting the ongoing 3,000-capacity Custodial Centre in Karshi, Abuja, and both the old and new custodial centres in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated his commitment to relocating some custodial facilities that face the challenge of urbanization.

InfoStride News recalls that on April 24, heavy rainfall destroyed the walls of the Suleja Custodial Centre, resulting in the escape of 118 inmates, some of whom are still at large.

During his visit to the New Medium Security Custodial Centre in Keffi, Tunji-Ojo noted that the facility currently holds 750 inmates, despite having a capacity for only 340. Out of these 750 inmates, 605 are awaiting trial.

“Our correctional centres have transitioned from prisons to the Correctional Service.

This shift means moving from a place of incarceration to one of transformation, reformation, and correction,” Tunji-Ojo stated.

He added, “We were at Karshi to inspect the progress on the 3,000-capacity Custodial Centre.

While there are observations that need addressing, we will discuss these internally within the ministry and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).”

Commenting on the situation in Keffi, Tunji-Ojo expressed concern over the high population in the custodial centres.

“In Keffi alone, we have two correctional centres – Keffi New and Keffi Old – housing over 1,000 inmates, almost 1,500.

This is a significant number, and many of these inmates are transferred from the FCT.”

Tunji-Ojo emphasized the need for robust security measures, including the construction of concrete perimeter fences, to prevent incidents like the one in Suleja.

“We are committed to ensuring that what happened in Suleja does not repeat itself.

Part of our measures include erecting concrete perimeter fences around these facilities,” he concluded.