Abuja: The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced that there is no record of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in custodial centres across the country. Ibrahim Idris, Deputy Controller General (DCG) of the Legal Department at the Service, made this statement in Abuja during the 3rd public hearing on alleged corruption and other violations within the service.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Ministry of Interior had previously set up an Independent Investigative Panel to look into allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and mistreatment against the NCoS. During the hearing, Idris affirmed that no incidents of physical assault against inmates have been reported or considered in recent years. He insisted that such occurrences are non-existent and are often exaggerated on social media.
Idris urged Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) visiting custodial centres to engage openly with inmates on these matters. He stated that if any issues are substantiated with evidence, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, is prepared to take immediate action.
He further clarified that Section 34 of the applicable law is not just a guideline but a legal requirement that must be adhered to in managing imprisonment cases. Idris also highlighted the NCoS’s commitment to inmate empowerment, particularly for women.