NCoS Responds To #EndBadGovernance Campaign On Minor Detentions In Adult Prisons

NCoS Responds To #EndBadGovernance Campaign On Minor Detentions In Adult PrisonsThe Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has rejected claims that juvenile defendants from the recent #EndBadGovernance protests were held in adult detention facilities at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. Following the arraignment of 76 participants in the protests, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered that minors be remanded in a borstal facility, while adults were to be placed in standard cells pending bail.

However, reports emerged suggesting that the Kuje facility lacked borstal accommodations, leading to allegations that minors were being detained alongside adults. In response, NCoS spokesman Umar Abubakar issued a statement on Saturday refuting these claims.

Abubakar emphasized that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 legally prohibits housing juvenile offenders in adult facilities. He noted that centre superintendents have the authority to refuse new arrivals if the facility is at capacity.

“There are misleading reports circulating in some media outlets suggesting that the suspects arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja for treason during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024 were remanded in adult custodial centres. These reports are untrue, as the Service adheres to best correctional practices. The Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 empowers Controllers of Corrections and custodial centre superintendents to reject the admission of juveniles into adult facilities. It also mandates that new inmate intake be refused if the facility is full,” he explained.

He further assured the public that the NCoS upholds the United Nations Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders and is committed to ensuring the safe and appropriate accommodation of all detainees according to these standards.

“The NCoS will continue to emphasize professionalism and respect for human rights in line with the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders. The public is encouraged to disregard the inaccurate reports, as they do not reflect the true situation,” he added.

Seventy-five young protesters, reportedly aged 12 to 15, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Nigeria Police Force. The defendants, part of the #EndBadGovernance protests, faced serious charges, including terrorism, an alleged attempt to overthrow the government, and mutiny.

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