Authorities of the Nigeria Correction Service, (NCoS), have denied reports in some sections of the media alleging disturbances and internal strife among inmates and corrections officials over the passing of an inmate, Monday morning.

Public Relations Officer, (PRO), of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Command of the service, Humphrey Chukwuedo, while reacting to some online publications claiming disquiet among inmates arising from the death of one of theirs reiterated that the deceased has had some health challenges since his incarceration which is being managed by the NCoS and its medical team

He explained further that “It was unfortunate that when decease went into crisis on Saturday, 27 August 2022, all efforts to resuscitate and stabilize him failed and his fellow inmates are aware of this hence, there was no form of disquiet among them.

“It was, therefore, strange to read a report from mischief makers insinuating that the inmates were fomenting crisis over the incident.”

In a communique, Chukwuedo said that despite the Services’ earlier statement on the death of the inmate, it is sad to note that some sections of the press are bent on making an issue out of a very touching and sober incident.

The statement reads; “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service, FCT Command has been drawn to a publication by some online media to the effect that there were some disturbances by the inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje as a result of the death of an inmate.

“This report is not true and does not reflect the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the yard.”

“For the records, it would be recalled that a press release was issued concerning the unfortunate death of an inmate in the facility due to a protracted illness.

“When the inmate was admitted into Kuje custodial centre in 2019, he came with an already deteriorating health condition, which necessitated his placement on special medical observation and management by a combined team of medical personnel in the Service with occasional referrals to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, for check-ups. For over 3 years, the Service has provided free medical services and other necessary care and support to sustain him because it is our responsibility to do so.”

He said the Controller of Corrections FCT Command while appreciating the role of the media in information dissemination, wishes to appeal for caution and verification of news before going to press.

“The health of inmates remains a top priority of the Controller General of Corrections who has continued to maintain regular drugs supply for use of inmates,” the statement concludes.