Abuja: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, has reiterated the commitment of the ministry to achieving a holistic reform of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Ajani stated this during the second public hearing of the independent investigative panel to address the alleged corruption, abuse of power, torture, and inhumane treatment against the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the panel in September 2024 to probe allegations of corruption and gross abuse of office levelled against some personnel of the NCoS. Tunji-Ojo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), suspended several officers overseeing the Maximum and Minimum Custodial Centres in Kirikiri, Lagos State, following allegations of misconduct involving the handling of cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Ajani, who chairs the investigative panel, emphasized that one of the ultimate goals of the committee is to ensure the full implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019. She stressed that both custodial and non-custodial measures should be implemented clearly across the country. The committee aims to transform the correctional service into a modern, efficient, and humane institution that aligns with international standards.
The panel has been gathering input from stakeholders, including the correctional service, to identify challenges in implementing the Act, particularly concerning magistrates and judges who claim unfamiliarity with certain sections. Ajani expressed confidence that with stakeholder support, the committee can achieve a comprehensive reform of the correctional service and create a better future for Nigerians.
In his presentation, the NCoS Controller General, Sylvester Nwakuche, represented by Assistant Controller General Ibrahim Idris, appealed to the judiciary to better understand the provisions of the NCoS Act 2019. He highlighted that the lack of understanding from the judiciary has been a significant challenge in implementing correctional decisions and urged the judiciary to collaborate with the NCoS to ensure effective implementation of the Act’s provisions.