Nigeria’s Prison Corruption Scandal: Investigative Chairperson gives NCS 48 hours to respond to allegations
...As premature retirees allege NCS denied them N13m benefits
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
A shocking revelation has emerged from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) as seven premature retirees, including Assistant Controller Correction, Yusuf Rtd, now the HRH of Ogbomosho, alleged that they were forced out of service to favor junior officers.
The retirees claimed they were denied over N13m in salaries, allowances, and benefits, which they believe is a clear case of corruption and abuse of power.
According to Yusuf, “We were forced out of the service, but our juniors were brought in to occupy our positions.
I had attained the position of Deputy Controller General, but because they didn’t want me there, they forced me and others out. It’s politically motivated”.
The retirees pleaded with the independent investigative panel to demand immediate payment of their premature retirement Benefits and other entitlement of retirement services from the NCS.
The panel, chaired by Magdalene Ajani, has given the NCS 48 hours to respond to the allegations.
The Independent investigative panel on the alleged corruption, Abuse of power, Torture, and Degrading Treatment Against the Nigerian Correctional Service resumed its public hearing today, 10th March 2025, with a clear mandate of NCS reform has the following highlights from today’s public hearing.
Key Highlights from the Investigative Panel’s Public Hearing:
Inmates’ Torture and Punishments: The panel emphasized the need to address the issue of inmates’ torture and punishments.
Recruitment and Promotion Process: The panel stressed the importance of ensuring transparency and trust in the recruitment, promotion, and transfer processes.
Officers’ Loans and Dismissal: The panel discussed issues related to officers taking loans and the need for a clear dismissal and early retirement process.
The investigative panel has heard from various security agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the National Judicial Institute. They are expected to hear from the Nigeria Police on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
The Five (5) Man Independent Investigative Panels, led by its Chairperson Magdalene Ajani, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, promises to reform the system that fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and fairness as mandated by the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
