Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s intention to collaborate with the relevant authorities in the Federal Capital Territory to accelerate the prosecution of inmates awaiting trial at the Keffi Medium Custodial Centre.
The governor made this known on Wednesday during a visit to the facility, following a jailbreak the previous day in which 16 inmates reportedly escaped. Speaking with both officials and inmates, he explained that a significant number of those awaiting trial in Keffi have their cases pending before FCT courts.
Addressing the inmates directly, Governor Sule urged them to remain well-behaved and respect the law. He assured that the state government would look into ways of expediting court processes to ease overcrowding in the facility.
Observing the poor conditions inside the centre, where many inmates were seated on bare floors, he instructed that 500 mattresses be provided by the state government to improve their living conditions. He also praised correctional service officers and other security personnel for successfully re-arresting some of the escapees.
Governor Sule further appealed to residents to stay alert and promptly inform security agencies of any suspicious activity.
According to a statement by Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson Umar Abubakar, the jailbreak occurred in the early hours of Tuesday after inmates overpowered the on-duty personnel. “In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility. Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody,” the statement said.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining escapees. Following the incident, Controller General of Corrections Sylvester Nwakuche visited the facility and ordered a thorough investigation. He warned that any personnel found culpable in the jailbreak would face disciplinary measures.
What you should know
Governor Abdullahi Sule is taking steps to work with FCT authorities to fast-track trials for Keffi Custodial Centre inmates, following a jailbreak that saw 16 inmates escape. Seven have been recaptured, while efforts continue to locate the rest.
