The Nigerian Correctional Service has dismissed allegations of misconduct circulating in a viral social media video concerning the admission of an Awaiting Trial Person at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement released on Saturday by its Public Relations Unit at the national headquarters in Abuja, the Service said the claims made by a cleric in the video misrepresented its procedures and operational responsibilities.
“The claims and insinuations contained in the video do not accurately represent the true position, procedures, or operational realities of the Service,” the statement said.
“They appear to be a misrepresentation capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in the institution.”
The agency clarified that once a court orders a suspect to be remanded, the responsibility for conveying the individual from the court to a custodial facility lies with the prosecuting or arresting authority, typically the police or another law enforcement body.
“The Service does not undertake the initial conveyance of freshly remanded persons from the court to the custodial centre,” it stated.
“Any suggestion that our officers refused to transport an inmate due to lack of vehicles is inconsistent with our statutory role.”
On admission procedures, the Correctional Service explained that any inmate presented with a valid remand warrant is accepted in line with established regulations.
However, it noted that in cases where a detainee is seriously ill or badly injured, the presenting agency may be directed to seek urgent medical care before admission.
“This is a standard duty-of-care measure aimed at protecting the life, health, and safety of persons in custody,” the Service explained.
“Such action is humanitarian and lawful and should not be misconstrued as refusal to admit an inmate.”
The agency also rejected allegations that money is demanded before admission.
“The Service does not require any individual, family member, or prosecuting agency to provide money as a condition for admitting an inmate,” it said, adding that such claims do not reflect its policies or ethical standards.
Reassuring the public, the Service emphasised that its personnel operate under the Constitution, the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and other relevant regulations, pledging that any officer found violating professional standards would face disciplinary action.
“We remain committed to the safe, lawful, and humane custody of all persons remanded by competent courts,” the statement added, urging the public to disregard misleading narratives and seek clarification through official channels.
