Lawyer Demands Probe into Kuje Prison Officer Misconduct

On February 11, 2026, lawyer Dai Dakum submitted a petition to the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, urging an independent and thorough investigation into allegations of extortion by officers at Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. The petition highlights claims that officers are demanding payments from inmates for access to medical attention and other services, which constitutes a violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act and undermines the rights of inmates.

Dakum expressed concerns about the potential for escalating tensions within the facility if these allegations are not addressed promptly. He made three requests: to conduct an independent investigation, to redeploy the implicated officers to non-sensitive posts pending the investigation's conclusion, and to take appropriate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable.

Dakum emphasized the importance of upholding professional standards within the correctional system and indicated that if no immediate action is taken, he would not hesitate to involve law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.