There is commotion at Kuje Prison, Abuja, this morning, Monday August
29TH, 2016 following “indiscriminate gunshots” fired by officials of
the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS).
Lawyers of Charles Okah, one of
the inmates at the facility, disclosed this in a statement, saying the life of
their client is under threat.
“We are solicitors to CHARLES
TONBRAH OKAH, in particular, and the entire inmates of Kuje Medium Security
Prison in Abuja (whom we shall hereinafter, collectively refer to as “our
clients”),” the lawyers said in a statement.
“It is our clients’ brief that
Kuje Prison is currently under attack from members of the Nigerian Prisons
Service armed squad who are indiscriminately firing gun shots and tear gas into
the air.
“This has created pandemonium and
violated the fundamental rights of the inmates, particularly, Mr. Charles Okah
who has a known medical history which is incompatible with tear gas, gunshots,
etc.
“We are, by virtue of this notice
to Nigerians and the international community, particularly, AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL and GLOBAL WITNESS, making it clear that the Nigerian Prisons
Service is already in breach of the fundamental rights of the inmates of Kuje Prison.
“Our clients therefore reserve
the right to sue and seek redress for the breach.”
When contacted, Francis Enobore,
spokesman of the service, confirmed the development but said he could not
give details because he was on his way to the prison.
Daniel Odahro, federal capital
territory (FCT) controller of prisons, later described the incident as a “minor
riot”.
“There was a minor riot at the
Kuje Prison, but the situation has been brought under control,” NAN quoted
Odahro as saying.
He said a “disagreement’’ ensued
around 10:30am when some inmates resisted the routine search in their cells.
Odahro said the situation was
subsequently brought under control by the security operatives on duty and that
no inmate escaped from the facility.
He dismissed claims that inmates
were shot in the melee, and insisted that the situation had been completely
taken care of.
“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.
“I can categorically tell you
that no inmate escaped and the situation has been brought under control.”
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