Fish Out Corrupt officers, save yourself -Panel Chairperson tells NCS officers
...As Bayelsa Controller of Prisons faces allegedly corruption, violations panel
By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
At the resumed Day – 9 of the second public hearing of the Independent investigative panel on the alleged corruption, Abuse of power, Torture, Cruel and Degrading Treatment, and other violations against the Nigerian Correctional Service, officers have been warned to expose corrupt colleagues or risk facing the consequences themselves.
This stern warning was issued by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the Chairperson of the Independent Investigative Panel, during a public hearing in Abuja on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Standard-Times reports that the panel’s warning comes amidst allegations of corruption against the Bayelsa Controller, Rev. Hope Imoruwa Opararuwa. He has been accused of aiding inmates in illicit activities, including the use of phones, kerosene, and stoves. Opararuwa has confessed to some of the allegations, including confiscating, 30 and 15 phones twice from inmates during routine searches.
To address this concern, the Independent Investigative Panel Secretary Uju Agomoh has highlighted several areas that require improvement, including the establishment of a national maintenance unit in all correctional centers and creating a link between the directorate of works and inmate training and productivity.
The Nigerian Correctional Service is facing intense scrutiny, with the panel pushing for total overhauling and reforms to regain public trust and confidence.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has mandated the panel to ensure a thorough overhaul of the service.
