The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed reports alleging that minors arrested during the August 2024 “EndBadGovernance” protests were detained in adult custodial facilities in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NCoS Public Relations Officer Umar Abubakar clarified that none of the juvenile suspects were admitted to adult correctional centers as reported. “There are misleading reports circulating in parts of the media claiming that suspects arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja on treason charges were remanded in adult custodial centers,” Abubakar stated. “These reports are unfounded, as the Service strictly adheres to correctional best practices and global standards.”
Abubakar emphasized that, under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019, Controllers of Corrections and Superintendents are mandated not to admit juveniles into adult facilities. The Act further authorizes the Service to reject additional inmates when a facility reaches capacity.
“The NCoS wishes to clarify that the suspects in question were not admitted to adult custodial facilities,” he added, reassuring the public of the Service’s commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights, in line with the United Nations Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders.
The NCoS encourages the public to disregard the claims, affirming they do not reflect the current facts.
