The Nigerian Correctional Service has dismissed allegations contained in a viral social media video in which a clergyman reportedly accused the Service of misconduct relating to the admission of an Awaiting Trial Person at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Unit at the National Headquarters in Abuja, the Service said its attention had been drawn to the video circulating online which contained “certain allegations regarding the operations of the Service, particularly in relation to the admission of an Awaiting Trial Person” at the Ibadan custodial facility.
The Service stated unequivocally that “the claims and insinuations contained in the video do not accurately represent the true position, procedures, or operational realities of the Service,” adding that the assertions “appear to be a misrepresentation that could mislead the public and undermine confidence in a critical national institution.”
Providing clarification on its statutory responsibilities, the Nigerian Correctional Service explained that its operations are guided strictly by established laws and custodial procedures governing the handling of inmates.
It stressed that when a court of competent jurisdiction orders the remand of a defendant, “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 Service emphasised that it “does not undertake the initial conveyance of freshly remanded persons from the court to the custodial centre,” noting that “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.”
On admission procedures, the Service stated that “upon presentation at any custodial centre, every inmate brought with a valid remand warrant is admitted in line with established procedures.”
However, it explained that 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 before admission.
According to the statement, “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,” stressing that such measures “are purely humanitarian and lawful, and should not be misconstrued as a refusal to admit an inmate.”
The Service also rejected allegations of financial demands, stating that it “does not demand or require any individual, family member, or prosecuting agency to provide money as a condition for admitting an inmate,” and that “any allegation suggesting otherwise does not reflect the policy, practice, or ethical standards of the Service.”
Reassuring members of the public, the Nigerian Correctional Service affirmed that it “remains committed to the safe, lawful, and humane custody of all persons legally remanded by competent courts,” adding that its personnel operate under principles of “professionalism, integrity, and strict adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, and relevant regulations.”
The Service further warned that “any officer found to have violated these standards will be dealt with decisively according to our standing orders,” while urging members of the public to “disregard misleading narratives and to seek clarification from official channels whenever in doubt.”
It reaffirmed its commitment to discharging its statutory mandate and contributing to public safety, effective justice administration and the rehabilitation of offenders in line with global best practices.
