The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has categorically denied reports that 72 minors, arraigned for treason related to the End Bad Governance protest in August 2024, were remanded in its custody.
According to Service spokesman, ACC Abubakar Umar, the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 prohibits the admission of juveniles into facilities meant for adults, emphasizing the Service’s commitment to upholding human rights and best correctional practices.
The Act establishes two main faculties of the Correctional Service: Custodial and Non-Custodial Service. The Custodial Service relates to the administration and supervision of persons remanded in custody, while Non-Custodial serves as an alternative, managing measures such as community service, probation, parole, and restorative justice .
To address overcrowding, a persistent issue in Nigerian prisons, the Act authorizes State Controllers to notify relevant bodies within one week if a Custodian Centre exceeds capacity. The notified bodies must take necessary steps to rectify the overcrowding within three months.
Additionally, the Act empowers State Controllers, in conjunction with Superintendents, to reject intake of inmates when facilities are filled to capacity. Failure to notify relevant bodies within the stipulated time or accepting inmates after the notification timeline may result in sanctions for the State Controller and Superintendent .
The Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 also provides provisions for the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, including risk and needs assessment, prevention of torture and inhumane treatment, healthcare services, education, and vocational training.
In the case of the 72 minors, Umar stressed that the Service operates based on best correctional and global practices, ensuring that juveniles are not admitted into adult facilities. The Service wishes to inform the public that the said suspects were rejected and none were remanded in adult custodial facilities as insinuated by initial reports.
The NCoS assures the public that it will continue to emphasize professionalism and respect for human rights, aligning with the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders.
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