By KELECHI OGUNLEYE

An Independent Investigative Panel on alleged corruption and other violations against the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), has presented its report before critical stakeholders.

The panel, set up by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, began the presentation of its findings on Tuesday, at the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo appreciated members of the panel for their dedication, professionalism and diligence in carrying out the sensitive assignment of investigating the allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture, cruelty, inhumane and degrading treatment within NCoS facilities.

He explained that the panel was constituted in response to serious allegations of misconduct and violations within correctional institutions, following the arrest of Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.

He said that the findings of the panel highlighted systemic challenges that required urgent attention.

“These include issues relating to corruption, operational inefficiencies, poor welfare conditions, human rights concerns and institutional gaps that must be addressed through comprehensive reforms.

“Officers found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences in line with existing laws and regulations,” the minister said.

He added that the stakeholders’ meeting was not a ceremonial presentation of a report but an opportunity for collective reflection and constructive dialogue among critical stakeholders.

The minister noted that effective collaboration among stakeholders remained essential for sustainable reform of Nigeria’s correctional system.

“Your insights, recommendations and support will help guide the implementation of the panel’s findings and ensure that the necessary reforms are both practical and impactful,” he said.

The minister said that reformation of correctional centres was not solely about sanctions, but strengthening institutions, operational standards, enhancing training and welfare for correctional officers.

He said that it was important to ensure that correctional facilities aligned with international best practices with the aim of promoting justice and restoring hope, while supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into the society as responsible citizens.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, abuse of power and any form of human rights violations within the NCoS.

In his remarks, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, commended Tunji-Ojo for facilitating the process.

Fagbemi said that the engagement was timely and significant, as NCoS occupied a vital space in the administration of criminal justice.

“This institution is the heartbeat of rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration, therefore, any shadow of corruption or abuse of power within its walls strikes at the very core of our social contract.

“Public institutions must continually earn the trust of the citizens. So the presentation of this report is not merely an administrative milestone but a bold step toward reinforcing the integrity of our justice sector.

“It reflects our collective resolve to identify systemic gaps with honesty and to pursue a practical, high-impact solution necessary to restore professionalism and human dignity to our correctional framework,” the AGF said.

He further said that the repeal of the Nigerian Prisons Act and the subsequent re-enactment of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 must direct legislative response to the systemic challenges.

“It is this legislative framework that empowers us to move beyond the findings of this report towards, a correctional system that is transparent, accountable, and fully align with international human rights standards,” the minister said.

Fagbemi assured Tunji-Ojo of his continued support for constructive efforts aimed at deepening public confidence and promoting a justice system that reflected the principles of fairness, accountability and human rights.

Also speaking, the NCoS Controller-General (CG), Sylvester Nwakuche, said the establishment of the panel was not for condemnation but accountability.

“We have not come here to trade in defensiveness or denial but to listen, understand, reflect and commit.

“The findings of this panel, even if they are difficult to confront, must be confronted; not because the service is defined by its failures, but because it must be measured by its response to them.

“I also want to say this plainly that the majority of our officers serve with professionalism, dedication and quiet sacrifice often in conditions that are far from ideal,” Nwakuche said.

The CG, however, appealed that the misdeeds of some personnel must not be permitted to eclipse the honour of the many who were diligent in service to the nation. (NAN)

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