‘Worse Than Dogs’; Inmates Allege Inhumane Treatment In Calabar Prison
Inmates in all the custodial centres across the country, particularly at the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar, have reportedly been subjected to inhumane treatment including being fed poorly.
A disturbing video on Facebook alleged them being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast.
The viral video which sparked outrage, prompted the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to order an investigation into the feeding conditions of the inmates at the facility.
In a statement on Sunday, the minister’s media aide, Babatunde Alao, vowed that if the allegation was found to be true, those found culpable would not be spared.
The satement added that the minister had taken grave exception to the disturbing video report.
“The Minister views this incident as a serious breach of the standards of care and dignity to which inmates are entitled.
“He has directed a comprehensive and urgent investigation into this matter, and those responsible will be held accountable,” the statement said in part.
The Minister also warned that any lapses in the quality of food, sanitation, and welfare of inmates would not be tolerated, adding that the service must ensure inmates are treated with the dignity and respect they deserved.
“The Minister of Interior will not condone any form of mistreatment or neglect of individuals in custody”, the statement said, adding that the findings of the investigation would be made public, and necessary disciplinary actions would be taken.
Osun Defender recalls that over 100 inmates escaped from the Medium Security Prisons, Suleja, Niger State, on Wednesday 24th April, 2024, following hours of heavy downpour which destroyed parts of the facility.
In a statement by the spokesperson for the medium-security jail, Adamu Duza, attributed the incident to weak and dilapidated state of the prison structures the giving way for the prisoners to escape.
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“The Service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era, and that they are old and weak.”
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
