The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has commenced an investigation into the allegation of poor feeding at correctional centres in the country.
The NCoS disclosed that a committee has been set up to investigate the allegation, which was frowned upon by the federal government.
The NCoS Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, made this known in Abuja on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
It would be recalled that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered an investigation into the feeding conditions of inmates at the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The directive followed a viral video alleging that inmates at the custodial centre were being subjected to inhumane treatment, including being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast.
Umar, who reiterated the commitment of the NCoS commitment to reform, rehabilitate, and care for inmates in custody, stressed that it was focused on correcting those in conflict with the law through behaviour modification and skill acquisition programmes.
He said: “The name change connotes a philosophy of correction to train the mind of those in our custody on behaviour modification.
“The new global standard goes beyond just addressing the viral video allegedly showcasing subpar food in our custodial centres.
Minister orders probe of inmates’ poor feeding at Calabar prison
“It also emphasises the importance of upholding the dignity of inmates in our care by ensuring they receive adequate medical attention and holistic care.
“The allegation is been looked into as directed by the Minister of Interior and until then, we cannot confirm or deny that the trending video is from one of our custodial centres.
“I see that as a kind of misgiving as the current administration is doing so much in ensuring that internal security of all citizens going about their normal businesses are assured and furthermore, the responsibility of the NCoS is to see that our mandate is achieved through reformation and rehabilitation.
“The allegation is a serious one that the federal government has frowned at but until the committee set up to actually investigate such allegations, the service cannot speak much on it now.”
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