Nigerian Correctional Service Defends Inmate Welfare, Umar Says Allegations Are False

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed recent claims about the mistreatment and poor feeding of inmates in its facilities. In a statement released Sunday, Deputy Controller of Corrections Abubakar Umar described the allegations as recycled and unfounded. He said the Service views the publication as misleading and aimed at provoking unnecessary public concern.

Umar stated, “This publication offers nothing new. Certain individuals have recycled it to stir a ruckus where none exists.”

He added that the NCoS had earlier responded to similar claims in a live TVC News interview on September 1, 2024. At the time, Umar emphasised that the Service adheres to proper guidelines under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.

He reiterated that the Service provides inmates with meals that meet health standards, monitored by a ration committee headed by the Controller General of Corrections. He noted that the feeding process is transparent and supervised.

“To address rising inflation, the Federal Government approved a new daily feeding rate of N1,125 per inmate,” Umar said. “This shows our commitment to humane and lawful inmate care.”

He said the NCoS has working oversight mechanisms involving government agencies, civil society groups, and international partners who routinely inspect facilities. According to Umar, none of these bodies reported mistreatment as claimed by recent publications.

Umar stressed that the Service will not compromise the dignity or welfare of inmates. “Our practices meet international standards and legal requirements,” he added.

The Nigerian Correctional Service follows the law in all operations and allows external bodies to scrutinise its activities.  Umar assured the public that the Service actively protects inmate rights and works to improve their welfare.

This is the second time in recent months that the Service and Umar have responded to such accusations.