The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Lagos State Command, has received popular Nigerian music star, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, alongside social commentator Otse Vincent Martin, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The duo paid a courtesy visit to the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos, to seek information on legal procedures that would facilitate the discharge of inmates through the payment of fines.

In a statement on Sunday, the authorities of the custodial centre said the visit was aimed at obtaining first-hand information on the legal and administrative processes involved in releasing inmates eligible for discharge through fine payments, in line with existing laws and correctional regulations.

The Public Relations Officer of the centre, Osho Onimisi Joseph, said the visitors were received by the newly appointed Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Sanni Richard.

According to Joseph, Burna Boy and VeryDarkMan were given professional guidance and detailed clarification on procedures relating to fine payments, eligibility criteria, and the legal safeguards put in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and strict compliance with judicial directives.

He added that the Nigerian Correctional Service reiterated that the payment of fines for eligible inmates is a lawful process strictly guided by court judgments, correctional regulations, and due process.

He said, “No inmate is released without proper verification, documentation, and authorization in accordance with extant laws.

“Furthermore, the general public is assured that inmates in NCoS custody are held in safe, secure, and humane conditions, in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), and other internationally accepted best practices.

“The rights, dignity, welfare, and rehabilitation of inmates remain a core priority of the Service.

“The Lagos State Command commends individuals and organizations who demonstrate interest in lawful initiatives that promote access to justice, custodial decongestion, and the humane treatment of inmates, while encouraging sustained collaboration within the bounds of the law.

“The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to its statutory mandate of safe custody, humane treatment, reformation, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of inmates into society.” (The Nation)

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