The Federal Government has set up an independent investigative panel to examine allegations of corruption and serious breaches of standard operating procedures within the Nigeria Correctional Service.
This move follows growing concerns about the management of the NCoS and aims to address systemic challenges that have persisted in the service.
On Monday, September 30, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee in Abuja.
During the inauguration, he emphasized the importance of a thorough and impartial investigation.
The panel’s mandate includes probing claims of corruption, mistreatment of inmates, and recent controversial reports involving the accommodation of Nigerian socialite Bobrisky, who was allegedly given preferential treatment while serving a jail term.
Reports revealed that, Bobrisky was allowed to reside in alternative accommodation, sparking outrage and raising questions about the integrity of the correctional system.
Tunji-Ojo called for a comprehensive and fact-based approach to uncover the truth behind the allegations, stating that “we want to reform the correctional service.” He urged the committee to investigate the issues at hand with diligence and objectivity, particularly the case concerning Bobrisky, for which he expects findings to be presented within two weeks. “Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky,” the Minister stated.
The committee is chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, who has been tasked with ensuring that the investigation is carried out without bias.
Tunji-Ojo made it clear that no individual, regardless of rank or position, would be protected from scrutiny.
He stressed, “Nobody will be shielded. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded.”
In addition to addressing the immediate allegations, the Minister directed the panel to identify systemic issues within the correctional service that may have contributed to these violations.
The panel has been charged with recommending both immediate and long-term reforms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“We will rely on you to be able to come up with a way forward, as well as facts that would be made public to Nigerians,” he added, underlining the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The panel consists of distinguished experts, including the Director of Legal Services; Omotese Eva, Director of Joint Services; Nasir Usman,President of the Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, Dr. Uju Agomoh, ; and a forensic researcher and social impact expert with decades of experience in corporate leadership, Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo.
This diverse group brings together legal, human rights, and correctional system expertise, aimed at ensuring a robust and credible investigation that will restore confidence in the NCoS.
