The Federal Government has established an independent investigative panel to probe allegations of corruption and gross violations of standard operating procedures within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).
News About Nigeria reports that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Monday.
Tunji-Ojo tasked the panel to investigate the allegations that some correctional service personnel had provided an alternative accommodation for convicted cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.
According to him, the panel’s formation aims to reform the service, promoting transparency and accountability nationwide.
“We want to reform the correctional service. Your core responsibility is to investigate specific allegations of corruption, torture, and mistreatment of inmates by correctional officers, especially the immediate one on Bobrisky which I expect to be out in 2 weeks,” the minister said.
The minister tasked Dr. Magdalene Ajani-led’s committee to uphold impartial justice, unaffected by fear or favoritism to any party.
“We will rely on your legal guidance to be sure that whatever we do is in line with the law of the land. We will rely on you to be able to come up with a way forward, as well as facts that would be made public to Nigerians,” Tunji-Ojo continued.
“I want to say this very clearly, nobody will be shielded. Nobody, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded.
“Identify systemic issues contributing to violations within the service and recommend concrete actions for immediate redress and policy reforms.
Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary, and Investigation Panel Chair, assured that the committee will diligently fulfil its assigned responsibilities to the fullest.
The committee is comprised of esteemed members, including Omotese Eva, Director of Legal; Nasir Usman, Director of Joint Services; and Dr. Uju Agomoh, President of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action.
The committee also features Dr. Ikechukwu Ezeugo, a seasoned human rights radio consultant, forensic researcher, and social impact expert with an impressive 27-year track record in corporate leadership, alongside Dr. Agomoh, a former board member of the International Corrections and Prisons Association.
