A nonprofit organization, Awaiting Trial Office, has petitioned the Minister of Interior, urging an investigation into systemic exploitation and intimidation of inmates at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
In a letter signed by Mr. Ben Okundayo, Head of Administration at Awaiting Trial Office, and addressed to the Nigerian Minister of Interior on Monday in Abuja,
The group alleges that inmates are facing dehumanizing treatments, including unauthorized fees for basic amenities, restricted access to medical care, and retaliation for speaking out against mistreatment.
According to the petition, despite repeated efforts to seek redress, the grievances remain unaddressed, leaving inmates in a state of continued suffering and vulnerability.
The organization claims that a systematic scheme of taxing and exploiting inmates has been ongoing, with authorities conducting an open hearing that exposed the identities of inmates who testified about their ordeal, leading to severe repercussions.
The petition demands an impartial investigation, protection for vulnerable inmates, and urgent reforms to restore dignity and justice to the inmates of Kuje Custodial Centre.
The organization has attached letters and evidence, including a petition submitted on August 8, 2024, and follow-up letters, urging the committee to intervene and act decisively to restore hope, dignity, and fairness to the affected inmates.
The petition reads, “The persistent suffering of Kuje Custodial Centre inmates demands urgent intervention. We trust that your committee will act decisively to restore hope, dignity, and fairness to those who have been unjustly ignored.”
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