- The Nigerian Correctional Service denied claims that juvenile defendants from the #EndBadGovernance protests were held in adult facilities at Kuje
- NCoS emphasized adherence to international standards for juvenile management, stating that minors are not allowed in adult custodial centers
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted claims that juvenile defendants involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests were detained in adult facilities at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja.
These young protesters, reportedly aged between 12 and 15, had been brought to the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges including terrorism and attempted government overthrow.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu presided over the hearing, during which some minors reportedly fainted. The judge granted bail to 67 out of the 76 defendants, setting bail at ₦10 million each and ordering the underage defendants to be placed in a borstal facility. Adult defendants were remanded in standard cells until bail conditions were met.
However, reports suggested that Kuje Custodial Centre did not have suitable borstal accommodations.
In a statement on Saturday, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar dismissed these claims, clarifying that the service adheres to international standards for juvenile management.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 prohibits holding minors in adult facilities, and custodial centers have the authority to refuse intakes if at capacity.
“There are misleading reports in some sections of the media alleging that the minors were held in an adult facility in Abuja. This is untrue, as the Service operates strictly within correctional and global standards.
Under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, we are empowered to deny admission to juveniles in adult centers and to refuse further intake when facilities are full,” Abubakar stated.
He reassured the public of the NCoS’s commitment to the United Nations Minimum Standards for the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders, ensuring safe and appropriate accommodations for all detainees by human rights practices.