By Nabilu Balarabe
A human rights group, Movement for Justice in Nigeria, has called on the management of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) to be vigilant against alleged sexual assaults against inmates at the Potiskum Custodial Centre in Yobe.
Malam Zakar Adamu, the group’s state Chairman, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Monday.
According to Adamu, it is the responsibility of the NCoS to protect the rights of inmates, saying that correctional centres are established for rehabilitation not abuse.
He advised the service to expedite the investigation on some officers recently suspended by the NCoS for alleged “ misconduct involving inmates” and prosecute anyone found guilty.
Commenting on the allegations, ASC Abdullahi Adamu, NCoS Yobe Command Spokesman, said the viral case of sexual misconduct involving officers of the command was being handled by the service’s headquarters in Abuja.
When asked for an update on the matter, he referred NAN correspondent to a statement by the NCoS National Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, on December 2, announcing the suspension of an undisclosed number of officers allegedly involved in “ unprofessional conduct with inmates” at Custodial Centre in Yobe.
“ The suspension takes immediate effect and will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full-scale investigation.
“Meanwhile queries and Charge Sheets have been issued to other personnel to explain their involvement or otherwise in the incident,” the statement said.
Adamu said investigation was ongoing, assuring that anyone found wanting would face the law.(NAN)