THE Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has cautioned Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and members of the public against overriding court orders regarding bail proceedings as pertains individuals in lawful detention and the harassment of correctional officers.

The agency gave the warning following an alleged interference by a civil society group in the detention proceeding of one Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri, during the weekend in Abuja.

According to the agency, Ohiri was ordered to be remanded at the Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa state by the Magistrate Court 7 in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on February 26, 2026, but NCoS officers encountered obstruction from a group identifying as civil society actors, who interfered with the lawful transportation of Ohiri to Keffi.

National Public Relations Officer (PRO), of the Service, Jane Osuji in a statement, said the court mandated that Ohiri be detained pending the completion of her bail conditions.

Therefore, “In compliance with the valid remand order and commitment warrant issued by the court, our officers took steps to convey the defendant to custody as required by law,” but were prevented by the group, the statement contains.

“Despite repeated explanations, this group insisted that the defendant would not be moved, preventing her transfer,” the NCoS noted.

Due to the circumstances, Ohiri was taken to a nearby police station for protective custody until the following morning.

Osuji said that when NCoS officers tried to move Ohiri from the police station on February 27, the same obstruction occurred, leading to her being taken to a hospital as she claimed to be unwell.

The NCoS has since condemned the harassment of their officers who were attempting to fulfil their duties, pointing out that “At the hospital, the crowd invited by these actors increased and intensified their efforts to obstruct lawful movement.”

The Service also addressed allegations that documentation for Ohiri’s detention was irregular, stating, “These claims are entirely false and misleading” emphasising that all documents were processed in accordance with legal procedures and signed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The agency said “Bail is granted solely by a court,” insisting that no individual or group can override a court order.

The Service also expressed commitment to professionalism and restraint, noting that their officers acted within the law and prioritized the safety of all parties involved.

It also vowed to take appropriate actions in line with the law to prevent further obstruction and disruption, while urging the public and advocacy groups to address concerns through proper channels because such interference with correctional officers is seen as a serious threat to the administration of justice and will not be tolerated. (The Guardian)

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