An independent panel set up to investigate allegations of corruption, misconduct, and other forms of abuse by top officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) has officially commenced its work. The panel’s secretary, Uju Agomoh, led the opening session on Tuesday in Abuja, where she outlined the scope and objectives of the investigation.
Agomoh emphasized that the panel will primarily focus on cases involving senior officials responsible for managing custodial centres across the country, where the alleged misconduct has been reported. These accusations range from corruption and abuse of authority to torture, cruelty, and inhumane treatment of inmates, all of which constitute clear violations of human rights.
The panel is charged with conducting a thorough investigation into these specific incidents and is expected to recommend measures aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future. Agomoh assured that the panel would make short-term, medium-term, and long-term recommendations aimed at reforming the correctional system and improving the overall conditions within Nigeria’s custodial facilities.
One of the major catalysts for the formation of the panel was the controversy surrounding cross-dresser Idris Okunneya, better known as Bobrisky, and the questions surrounding whether he was detained in the appropriate correctional facility. The panel will also examine allegations of corruption and extortion involving Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, the officer in charge of the Kuje custodial centre, who has been accused of threatening, intimidating, and defrauding an inmate.
This investigation marks an important step in addressing the systemic problems within Nigeria’s correctional system, with the ultimate goal of restoring accountability and ensuring the protection of inmate rights across the country. The panel’s work is expected to play a crucial role in reforming the country’s prison system, making it more transparent and just for all Nigerians.
