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Tag: inmates

  • Jobs tools for freed inmates in Ebonyi

    Jobs tools for freed inmates in Ebonyi

    Abakaliki Prisons was in the news last month for the wrong reasons when some of its inmates reportedly lost their lives in a foiled jailbreak. But the facility seems to have moved on from the ugly incident as five inmates were released following the completion of their two years jail sentence. They were not just released but also trained in some vocations and given tools to enable them launch their new trades.

    The Ebonyi State Command of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) at a send forth of the five inmates inside the prison premises handed over to them the workings tools with which they can use to start new businesses in their chosen fields and become useful to themselves as they reunite with their families and the larger society.

    Handing over the tools to the freed inmates in the presence of their family members at the prison yard, the State Comptroller, Mrs Emilia Oputa disclosed that the Command trained them on the skills as part of its core mandate.

    Five of them, all married with children, Peter Nwankwo, Sunday Iboko, Sunday Ogodo, Moses Abarike and John Nwenyi were trained in carpentry, welding, electrical maintenance, tailoring and catering.

    The state comptroller explained that they were able to procure the tools through government funding and individual contributions.

    Mrs Emilia who urged them to pay deaf ears to what people might be saying about them when they get home, charged them to live a useful life and shun acts capable of bringing them back to prison.

    She noted that both the Federal and State governments had turned to agriculture to grow the economy and urged them to queue into it to be self-dependent.

    She further explained the Command had trained many of the inmates on different skills/hand works and solicited for the assistance of the public to enable them provide them with necessary tools, noting that government ‘would not do it alone.

    Five of them who are from Otam Nkaleke in Abakaliki local government Areas were jailed for conspiracy and attempted murder and had spent two years each in prison before freedom came their way.

    The freed inmates thanked the NPS and pledged to put the tools to the best use in order to be able to adequately fend for themselves and their families.

    One of their family members, Isaiah Moses, thanked God for keeping them alive all along and also the prisons officials who made their release possible.

  • Monarch offers to pay fines for five inmates

    The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Ilufemiloye Telu I, yesterday offered to pay fines of five inmates of the Nigerian Prisons Service in Ilesa, Osun State.

    The inmates have continued to be in prison custody for failure to pay an option of fines imposed on them by the courts.

    Oba Akanbi made the offer during his visit to the prison in Ilesa, where there are 582 inmates out which 454 are awaiting their court trial.

    The traditional ruler, who made a cow and cash donations to the prison service for the upkeep of the inmates, passionately appealed to the state Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, to look into the cases of those in awaiting trial list, many of whom had spent between two to twenty years.

    Disclosing that his mission was to have a first-hand experience of the situation behind the wall of prisons and see areas he can intervene. The Oluwo said he was identifying with the inmates to give them hope and reason to believe their lives could still serve good purposes.

    The monarch also admonished members of the society to stop stigmatising ex-convicts and to make sure they are supported to during their reformation and reintegration programmes for the society to be a good place for everyone.

    The monarch, who had handshakes with some of the inmates, enjoined them to change from their bad ways and make sure they contribute to the peace and development of the nation.

    He also appealed to the government to improve the facilities in the prison that had been built since 1900, adding that the prison environment looking ancient needed “serious rehabilation.”

    Responding, some of the inmates said they were surprised with the monarch’s visit which they described as unprecedented, therefore, promising to be of good behaviour during and after their jail terms.

    They pleaded with the state government to grant some of them with good conduct state pardon and commended the officials of the prison for doing their best to better the lot of the inmates.

    Also, the officer in charge of the Prison, who is a Deputy Comptroller, Mr. Ope Fanmikun, disclosed that his men face huge challenges, conveying 454 inmates for trial daily in 72 courts across the state.

    He lamented: “We take the inmates to court with just four  HYPERLINK “http://vehicles.th/” \t “_blank” vehicles. The newest of these vehicles was given to the prison four years ago. Pesenting the inmates for trial has been difficult so we are calling on well meaning Nigerians to come to our aid.”

    According to him, the prison needs at least 20 vehicles, medical facilities and consummables, adding that some of the inmates that were supposed to be referred for further treatment in more advanced facilities could not do so because of unavailability of funds.

  • Jobs tools for freed inmates in Ebonyi

    Jobs tools for freed inmates in Ebonyi

    Abakaliki Prisons was in the news last month for the wrong reasons when some of its inmates reportedly lost their lives in a foiled jailbreak. But the facility seems to have moved on from the ugly incident as five inmates were released following the completion of their two years jail sentence. They were not just released but also trained in some vocations and given tools to enable them launch their new trades.

    The Ebonyi State Command of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) at a send forth of the five inmates inside the prison premises handed over to them the workings tools with which they can use to start new businesses in their chosen fields and become useful to themselves as they reunite with their families and the larger society.

    Handing over the tools to the freed inmates in the presence of their family members at the prison yard, the State Comptroller, Mrs Emilia Oputa disclosed that the Command trained them on the skills as part of its core mandate.

    Five of them, all married with children, Peter Nwankwo, Sunday Iboko, Sunday Ogodo, Moses Abarike and John Nwenyi were trained in carpentry, welding, electrical maintenance, tailoring and catering.

    The state comptroller explained that they were able to procure the tools through government funding and individual contributions.

    Mrs Emilia who urged them to pay deaf ears to what people might be saying about them when they get home, charged them to live a useful life and shun acts capable of bringing them back to prison.

    She noted that both the Federal and State governments had turned to agriculture to grow the economy and urged them to queue into it to be self-dependent.

    She further explained the Command had trained many of the inmates on different skills/hand works and solicited for the assistance of the public to enable them provide them with necessary tools, noting that government ‘would not do it alone.

    Five of them who are from Otam Nkaleke in Abakaliki local government Areas were jailed for conspiracy and attempted murder and had spent two years each in prison before freedom came their way.

    The freed inmates thanked the NPS and pledged to put the tools to the best use in order to be able to adequately fend for themselves and their families.

    One of their family members, Isaiah Moses, thanked God for keeping them alive all along and also the prisons officials who made their release possible.

  • Anxiety as Kuje Prison officials, inmates clash

    Anxiety as Kuje Prison officials, inmates clash

    Shots were heard from the Kuje Medium Prisons yesterday but it was the sound of tear gas canisters being fired at inmates during a riot.

    But sources said there was an attempted jailbreak which was denied.

    The prison authorities confirmed a “minor riot” but denied there was an attempted jailbreak.

    The gunshots were heard from around 10.15 am inside the facility when some of the inmates were said to be attempting a jailbreak.  Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) officers were said to be enforcing its orders for the inmates to allow a search, after some of them resisted.

    A source said: “Riot broke out in the prison facilities as officials arrived at work. It started from one of the blocks but a team of security operatives was immediately drafted in to deal with the situation.

    “As I speak with you now there is a lock down in the prison. Officials are throwing tear-gas at the inmates to put them in check because of the last jailbreak.

    “What happened was that some of the inmates complained that they were dying. One of the inmates said ‘We do not know what they want to do with us; some people are on the ground now rolling and crying’.”

    Another source said two inmates who sustained injury during the fracas had been taken to the hospital but he could not state how they were injured.

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Controller of Prisons, Mr Daniel Odahro, confirmed that “there was a minor riot at the Kuje Prison, but the situation has been brought under control.”

    Odahro dismissed claims that inmates were shot in the melee.

    ”There was nothing like an attempted jail break, yes we had a minor disagreement between prison officials and some inmates, who refused the routine morning search in their cells, ’’he said.

    FCT police spokesman Chukwuedo Humphrey, in a statement, said:“At about 1000hrs on Monday 29th August, 2016,  officials of Kuje Prison carried out a routine cell-search which is a part of the Prisons operational guidelines to prevent breach of security within and around the prisons.

    “Some inmates tried to resist the exercise which led to an altercation between the search party and the inmates. This was quickly put under effective control. No prisoner was injured, no property damaged and the yard is calm and peaceful.

    “The Controller of Prisons FCT Command, Odharo Daniel has assured that the security and wellbeing of prisoners in the Federal Capital Territory will continue to be held as a priority task and will never be compromised.”

    There have been four jailbreaks in the last three months.

    The first was at the Kuje Medium Prison on June 24 barely five weeks after the Controller-General of Nigeria Prison Service (NPS), Ahmed Ja’afaru, took charge.

     

  • ‘5,653 inmates await trial’

    No fewer than 5,653 inmates are awaiting trial in Lagos prisons, Southwest Report has learnt.

    Spokesman of Nigerian Prisons Service in Lagos, Biyi Jeje, said out of 6, 921 inmates, only 1,008 are convicts.

    He said both the minimum and medium security prisons have exceeded their capacities.

    According to him, the Maximum Security Prison, with a capacity for 1,056, currently has 1,234 inmates.

    The Medium Security Prison, which has capacity for 1,700 inmates, currently has 3, 820, he said.

    Ikoyi Prison, with a capacity for 800, has 2,277 inmates; the female prison with a capacity for 211 currently has 240 inmates, while the Badagry Prison meant for 160 persons, has 350 inmates.

    Jeje, who is also a Correction Officer, said despite the challenges, the prisons have adequate correctional facilities.

    “In all Lagos Prisons, there are hospitals, clinics, churches, mosques, extra-curricular sports centres, different educational systems from primary to the university levels and other standard facilities found in a community for such inmates to live a normal life.

    “Convicts are also entitled to acquire skills such as laundry, welding; tailoring, carpentry, hairdressing, art and craft, theatre art and other skills that will enable them to integrate into society after discharge.

    “We, together with our partners, provide them with the tools to start a trade and monitor them properly so that they don’t go back to crime,” he said.

    He noted that the prisons needed more medical equipment and drugs, vehicles to convey inmates to and from courts, backup team and other logistics to help effectively rehabilitate and reform inmates.

  • Injured inmates undergo surgery

    Some inmates of the Abakaliki Prisons in Ebonyi State, who sustained gunshot injuries in last week’s botched jailbreak, have been undergoing surgery to remove bullets in their bodies.

    The surgery, it was gathered, is taking place at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki (FETHA).

    Comptroller-General of Prisons Service Jafaru Ahmed visited the inmates, officials, Governor Dave Umahi and the hospital.

    Nineteen inmates reportedly died in the attempted jailbreak.

    Sixteen of them sustained injuries and were rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit.

    But the comptroller insisted that only six inmates died.

    Four officials were injured and have been treated and discharged.

    Some inmates had leg, hand and other body injuries, with others chained to their hospital beds.

    Prison officials did not allow our reporter to speak with the inmates or take their pictures.

    Chief Medical Director (CMD) Dr. Emeka Onwe said the treatment had since begun.

    He said: “The inmates in our hospital have gunshot injuries, whether as a result of accidental discharge or not.

    “Our orthopaedic surgeons are working hard to carry out surgery on the inmates to remove bullets that penetrated them during the incident.

    “The comptroller-general of Prisons has visited the hospital and thanked us for the quick response and commencement of treatment.

    “None of them is in the Intensive Care Unit; they are all at the Accident and Emergency Unit.”

    Also yesterday, the state Comptroller of Prisons, Mrs. Emilia Oputa, blamed the riot on those she identified as ring leaders.

    She said they incited others to cause the riot, adding that most of them had been on awaiting trial list and resolved they needed their freedom.

  • Nsukka jail break: We’ve re-arrested six escaped prisoners – Controller

    Enugu State Controller of Nigeria Prisons Service, Mr Isaiah Amariri, said on Thursday that six of the inmates that escaped from Nsukka Prisons on Tuesday night, have been re-arrested.

    Amariri, who gave the figure to newsmen in Nsukka, however declined to give the exact number of inmates that escaped from the prison.

    He said the prison service was liaising with security agents and community groups to apprehend the remaining escaped prisoners.

    “There was a jail break in Nsukka prisons on Tuesday night between 12pm and 3am, in which many inmates escaped, though six of them have been re-arrested.

    “I cannot give the exact figure for now as investigations are still on.

    “ We will send our findings to the Controller General of Prisons who will make public the exact number and cause of Nsukka prisons jail break.

    “The service is liaising with security agents and community vigilante groups to know the hideout of those still on the run in order to re-arrest them,” he said.

    He assured that any official indicted the course of the investigation would be punished.

    “After investigations on the jail break, any person in the service found to have been involved or aided the Tuesday jail break will be arrested and prosecuted no matter his or her position.

    “Security has been beefed up in and around Nsukka prisons with serious surveillance on the prisons facilities, inmates and staff.

    “The prisons authorities are on top of the situation and will put measures in place to avoid a repeat of what happened on Tuesday night in Nsukka, “he said.

    The controller solicited the help of the general public who might have information on the whereabouts of the fleeing inmates, to report to relevant security agencies.

    “We solicit for help from the general public who may have information about the fleeing inmates to feel free and call prisons authorities or security agents to enable them re-arrest the escapees.

    “We promise that such information will be given the confidentiality it deserves and source identity will be fully protected, “he said.

    On the condition of the Nsukka prisons, Amariri said it was established a hundred years ago with the original capacity of 168 inmates, but currently harbours 264 prisoners.

  • 15 inmates escape in jail break

    15 inmates escape in jail break

    No fewer than 15 inmates have escaped in a jail break at the Nsukka Prison in Enugu State.

    Sources said the inmates scaled the perimeter fence padded with blankets and other soft materials.

    It was the same way that some inmates escaped last month at the Kuje Prison in Abuja.

    The Comptroller of Prisons in Nsukka, Mr. Lawrence Okonkwo, who confirmed the jail break, said he could not give yet the number of escaped inmates.

    “Yes there was a jailbreak last night (Tuesday) in Nsukka Prison but I am not in a position to say how many prisoners escaped,” he said.

    Asource said the prisoners, most of who are awaiting trial, forcibly broke down the door of their cell and scaled the perimeter fence.

    He added: “The inmates forced open their cells and scaled the perimeter fence of the prisons.

     ”Before prison officials on night duty knew what was happening, about 15 inmates had escaped.

     ”We are expecting the Enugu State Prisons Controller, Mr Isaiah Amariri, in Nsukka so that we brief him on what happened last night.

     ”He will be the one to tell the public the number of inmates that escaped, the re-arrested ones and efforts put in place to arrest those still on the run.”

     As at the time of filing this report no statement had been issued. Amariri was seen inspecting facilities at the prisons.

  • Freed inmates ponder future

    Freed inmates ponder future

    What next for 40 prison inmates after their release?

    They were jailed in Suleja, Niger State prisons but have been freed  after a non-governmental organisation paid their fines ranging from N10,000 to N50,000.

    Their joy knew no bounds when the 38 men and two women were let go courtesy of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, (PCN), led by its National Commandant Dickson Akoh.

    They were happy to be free after varying lengths of time, but they have also been wondering what life holds for them.

    Most of them told Abuja Review that they do not know where to start from.

    A few of them spoke on how they got arrested, how long they were in prison and what they expect from outside the prison walls.

    Abu Muhammed, 36, was arrested at Kubwa two months ago, according to him, by police at about 8pm.

    He said, “When they arrested me they collected my bag, my set and my money, N26,000. They said I was arrested with India hemp, but that is not true. My fine was N10,000. I do not have anybody to pay because they are far away in Adamawa State. I am happy that Peace Corps of Nigeria came to my rescue and paid the fine. I am grateful. I am going home to Adamawa now. My family will be happy to see me. I wonder how I will face my family because for two years now I have been in prison. “

    One of the two females, Aisha Ismail said, “I was arrested in a hotel dancing in a night club before Abaji. I am from Jos. I am 22 years old. I am happy that I am leaving the prison. As I am leaving the prison I will not go back to my old ways again. I give thanks to God. But I do not know how to start my life again. This development is double-fold for me. I am happy and at the same time sad. May God help me.”

    Another freed convict who spoke with Abuja Review, Yakubu Adamu, 32, said he was arrested by the police at Sabo Wuse for wondering, adding that he had been in prison since February this year. Adamu said he was being held back because of N30, 000 fine.

    On his part, Akoh expressed sadness over the level of congestion in prisons across the country, calling on the government to act fast before the situation gets out of hand.

    He said in the spirit of the season, PCN felt that 40 of the inmates should regain freedom while others still in custody should feel happy and celebrate Sallah.

    He called on the National Assembly to enact a law that will: “allow suspended imprisonment in Nigeria because situation where petty criminals are jailed and held behind bars, while people who stole billions walk away from the court with little bail conditions is unacceptable to the society.

    “This will further help the decongestion of prisons across the country. Government should please look into this because it would be against the law of natural justice for someone who steals just a goat end up in prison for six or seven months and people that are stealing billion walking away freely.

    “These [freed inmates] are youths between the ages of 18 and 30, we felt like coming to show them sympathy.”

  • Lagos CJ releases 31 inmates from Ikoyi Prisons

    Lagos CJ releases 31 inmates from Ikoyi Prisons

    No fewer than 31 inmates of Ikoyi Prison, Lagos breathe the air of freedom in continuation of amnesty being granted those awaiting trial in court by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade.

    She continued her prison amnesty exercise Thursday, with the release of 31 inmates from the Ikoyi prisons.

    Justice Atilade had earlier on Wednesday released a total of 153 inmates from the Kirikiri Maximum and Medium prisons.

    The newly released brought to 184 the total number of awaiting trial inmates released from the prisons in Lagos.

    The Chief Judge admonished the freed inmates against returning to crime.

    She said her administration will continue to review cases of inmates who have no business being in prison.

    “Those of you that have been released today should see this as an opportunity for a new beginning.  You must henceforth be of good behaviour and never return to crime,” she told the freed inmates.

    Justice Atilade stressed that her administration is committed to decongesting the prison and that situations where cases are allowed to prolong unnecessarily in court will not be tolerated.

    “The purpose of carrying this exercise is to achieve a reduction of the awaiting trial population in the prisons. Situations where cases are allowed to unnecessarily drag on in court will no longer be tolerated,” she said.

    Decrying some of the challenges why many deserving inmates do not benefit from the amnesty programme, the Chief Judge admonished the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecution to always provide the Prison Decongestion Committee detailed information about the awaiting trial inmates.

    She urged the DPP to develop mechanism where case files of inmates can easily be accessed and reviewed by the committee.

    Justice Atilade also noted that the prison authorities must also be up and doing by making available adequate and relevant information to the decongestion committee made up of Justices Oluwatoyin Ipaye, Raliatu Adebiyi, Toyin Taiwo and Magistrate E.A. Fabamwo.

    In his remark, the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Ikoyi Prison, Julius Ezeugwu thanked the Chief Judge for releasing the inmates.

    DCP Ezeugwu noted that inspite of the large number of awaiting trial inmates in Ikoyi prison, the facility personnels have continued to make the place a truly reformatory prison.

    “Your lordship, it is pertinent at this juncture to state that the total number of inmate as at today stands at 2295 out of which Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATM) constitutes 2009 inmates. This constitutes about 90 per cent while the convicted inmates is just 286 inmates. This about 10 per cent in a prison with a lock up capacity of 800 inmates”, he said.

    Ezeugwu noted that Ikoyi is run as a full correctional institute for reformation rehabilitation of offenders in contrast to the erroneous impression or notion of Nigerian Prisons as mere warehouse for criminal elements or a dungeon.