The controller general of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ja’afaru Ahmed has denied claims of planning to arrest investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who exposed the rot in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Commenting on the documentary which exposed “drug abuse,
sodomy, bribery, pimping and cash and carry operations” in Ikoyi prison, Ahmed
said those found guilty of the allegations would be punished.
A statement released on Tuesday evening read “The attention
of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to allegations of drug
abuse, sodomy, bribery, pimping and cash and carry operations in Ikoyi
Custodial Centre, Lagos.
“In view of the gravity of the allegations, the Controller
General, Ja’afaru Ahmed has set up a high powered panel to immediately commence
full investigations into the matter in order to establish the authenticity of
the report, identify and bring the culprits to book if found guilty of the
allegations.
“The CG who gave the directive in his office in Abuja today
stated that the Service is willing to work with the general public as well as
relevant stakeholders in the justice sector to actualize the policy objectives
of transforming the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) into a modern
reformatory institution that operates in line with best international
practices.”
Describing
investigative journalists as the agency's partners who seek the development of
the nation, Ahmed stated that they have no plans of arresting or prosecuting
Fisayo who went into hiding.
“Investigative
journalists are partners, who seek the development of the nation, and called
for more of such findings aimed at reforming the institution for better service
delivery,” he said.
“He therefore called for more constructive engagement with
the media and the general public with a view to strengthening the
implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019.”
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