From Lubabatu Garba
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Kano State Command has refuted a claim by ex inmate for being incarcerated at Goron Dutse correctional center as well as allegation of daily occurrences of sodomy, rape, and death by starvation, describing the allegation as baseless, malicious, and entirely unfounded.
The Public Relation Officer of the Command , Chief Superintendent of Corrections Musbahu Lawan Kofar Nassarawa made the assertion to the newsmen in Kano.
He said the attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a publication by Daily Trust titled “LITIGATION: My Experience Awaiting Trial for 9 Years”, featuring one Shehu Adamu, also known as Ya Malam, who was recently released from custody.
“These fabrications not only malign the image of the Nigerian Correctional Service but also misrepresent the actual state of correctional administration in Kano State. For the avoidance of doubt, the Command wishes to set the record straight.
“Contrary to the claim that Shehu Adamu spent nine (9) years awaiting trial, official records reveal that he was remanded for only four (4) months on charges of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust before his release. Any contrary assertion is a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.”
He added that the ex-offender falsely claimed he was incarcerated at Goron Dutse Custodial Centre. In reality, he was remanded at the Kurmawa Custodial Centre, as documented in the official registers.
According to him the Kano State Command upholds the highest standards of inmate care, protection, and human dignity in accordance with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019 and international best practices.
“As of the time of this release, there is no inmate in any custodial facility under Kano State Command who has spent more than two (2) years awaiting trial as a result of the efficiency of the criminal justice system in the state.
The Command works closely with the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure timely dispensation of justice.
He further added that the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano State Command, remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and the humane treatment of all inmates.
The command cautions media houses to verify facts with relevant authorities before publication to avoid promoting misinformation that could incite public distrust or undermine the criminal justice system.
The Command also urges the general public to disregard the false claims made in the said publication and continue to support the efforts of the Nigerian Correctional Service in reforming and rehabilitating offenders for societal reintegration.
In another development The Kano State Hisbah Board said it had launched an investigation into the issue and found out that the allegation are mere baseless and untrue.
The Deputy Commander General of the Board Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen said that the ex inmate was dubious as he deceived the board as someone wanted to embrace Islam despite the fact that he was a Muslim.
“There after we took him to several people to assist him and he cheated on them, he was eventually arraigned before a court of law”
The Hisbah board urged the public to avoid spreading rumours and unverified information to avoid inciting public nuisance.