The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted claims that juvenile defendants involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests were held in adult custodial facilities at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja. This statement comes in response to widespread media reports suggesting otherwise. The young protesters, aged between 12 and 15, were presented before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday by the Nigeria Police Force.
These minors, who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests, faced serious charges, including terrorism and an alleged attempt to overthrow the government. The gravity of the situation was underscored during the court hearing, where some of the minors reportedly fainted in the presence of Justice Obiora Egwuatu, highlighting the stress and pressure they were under.
After considering the case, Justice Egwuatu granted bail to 67 out of the 76 minors, setting the bail amount at ₦10 million each. The judge mandated that the underage defendants be placed in a borstal facility while adult defendants would remain in standard cells until their bail conditions were fulfilled. This decision aimed to ensure the appropriate handling of juvenile offenders.
However, subsequent reports raised concerns about the Kuje facility’s capability to accommodate juveniles, specifically citing a lack of the necessary borstal accommodations. This led to further scrutiny of the NCoS’s practices and the conditions within the facility, prompting the service to respond to these allegations.
In a statement released on Saturday, NCoS spokesman Umar Abubakar clarified that the reports in question were misleading. He emphasized that the NCoS adheres to strict standards when it comes to managing juvenile offenders, ensuring their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Abubakar referenced the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019, which explicitly mandates that juveniles cannot be held in adult facilities. He noted that facility superintendents have the authority to reject new intakes if a center has reached its capacity, further reinforcing the NCoS’s commitment to proper management of juvenile cases.
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He assured the public that, in alignment with global best practices, none of the juvenile defendants were placed in adult cells. This assurance was vital to countering the misinformation circulating in some media outlets regarding the treatment of the minors involved in the protests.
Furthermore, Abubakar urged the public to disregard the misleading reports and reiterated the NCoS’s dedication to professionalism and respect for human rights. The service aims to maintain transparency and accountability in its operations, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as juveniles.
The NCoS’s response highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the potential consequences of misinformation, especially in sensitive cases involving young individuals. As the situation evolves, the NCoS remains focused on upholding the law while ensuring the welfare of all defendants, particularly minors.
In conclusion, the NCoS is committed to addressing any inaccuracies in the media and ensuring that juvenile offenders are treated in accordance with the law. The organization’s focus on professionalism and adherence to legal standards is crucial in maintaining public trust and safeguarding the rights of those within the correctional system.
