An independent panel set up to investigate allegations of corruption and other misconduct against top officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service has officially started its work.
The panel’s secretary, Uju Agomoh, who led the session on Tuesday in Abuja, stated that many of the cases under review involve senior officers overseeing custodial centres across the country, where the alleged misconduct took place.
Agomoh explained that the panel has been tasked with carrying out a detailed investigation into specific incidents and recommending urgent steps to prevent such issues in the future.
Agomoh said, “Recent reports have highlighted cases of corruption, torture, cruelty, and inhumane treatment by correctional officers in Nigeria’s facilities
“These accusations include breaking official rules, abusing authority, and mistreating inmates, which violate their rights and dignity.”
She further mentioned that the panel’s work includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term recommendations for improving the correctional system.
Recall that the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, established the investigative panel following the widespread controversy regarding a cross-dresser, Idris Okunneya, popularly known as Bobrisky on whether he served his sentence at the proper correctional facility or not.
The panel is also looking into allegations of corruption and extortion against Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, the officer in charge of Kuje custodial centre, who has been accused of threatening, intimidating and defrauding an inmate.
PUNCH
