Bauchi Jailbreak Attempt Caused By Mobile Phone — Nigerian Correction Service

The Nigerian Correction Service has said the attempted jailbreak
at the Bauchi State Command on Friday, April 9, 2021, emanated from
the attempt of an officer to smuggle a mobile phone into the
custodial centre for the use of inmates.

The Service said a struggle occurred between the inmates who
were to benefit from the illegal deal and other staff who busted
the plan and enforced the centre’s rules and regulations.

During the struggle, two personnel and five inmates sustained
injuries. They have since been discharged from the facility’s
medical unit where they were treated.

This was disclosed in a statement published on the website of
the NCS on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

The statement read, “A little skirmish broke out at the Bauchi
State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Friday, April
9, 2021. This emanated from the attempt of an officer to smuggle a
mobile phone into the custodial centre for the use of inmates.

“This is clearly illegal and against the rules. The officer has
therefore been apprehended and is being interrogated.

“The scuffle occurred between the inmates who were to benefit
from the illegal deal and other staff members who enforced the
centre’s rules and regulations and busted the plan.

“However, two personnel and five inmates sustained injuries in
the melee but have been treated and discharged from the facility’s
medical unit.

“The restive inmates have also been put under control while the
staff involved is undergoing interrogation, as ordered by the State
Controller. This regrettable development is being investigated.

“While addressing the body of staff, the Controller once again
reminded them of the far-reaching implications of smuggling
prohibited items, particularly mobile phones, into custodial
centres which, among other things, could lead to a riot, jailbreak
and others. Mobile phones can be used by inmates to commit crimes
or coordinate criminal activities. This will set back the task of
reformation of the inmates, the raison d’etre of the correctional
service.

“He also noted that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019
has made provisions for sanctioning anyone found culpable of the
offence of trafficking. He, therefore, admonished the personnel to
shun such shameful act and concentrate on the task of character
reformation for which they were employed. He, however, noted that
the Service only has a place for personnel sold to the goals of
keeping society safe from offenders and reforming them into better
citizens while in custody.

“He commended the officer-charge of the custodial centre and the
staff members for the excellent display of professionalism that
prevented the smuggling of contraband into the yard.”

The Nigerian Correction Service has said the attempted jailbreak
at the Bauchi State Command on Friday, April 9, 2021, emanated from
the attempt of an officer to smuggle a mobile phone into the
custodial centre for the use of inmates.

The Service said a struggle occurred between the inmates who
were to benefit from the illegal deal and other staff who busted
the plan and enforced the centre’s rules and regulations.

During the struggle, two personnel and five inmates sustained
injuries. They have since been discharged from the facility’s
medical unit where they were treated.

This was disclosed in a statement published on the website of
the NCS on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

The statement read, “A little skirmish broke out at the Bauchi
State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service on Friday, April
9, 2021. This emanated from the attempt of an officer to smuggle a
mobile phone into the custodial centre for the use of inmates.

“This is clearly illegal and against the rules. The officer has
therefore been apprehended and is being interrogated.

“The scuffle occurred between the inmates who were to benefit
from the illegal deal and other staff members who enforced the
centre’s rules and regulations and busted the plan.

“However, two personnel and five inmates sustained injuries in
the melee but have been treated and discharged from the facility’s
medical unit.

“The restive inmates have also been put under control while the
staff involved is undergoing interrogation, as ordered by the State
Controller. This regrettable development is being investigated.

“While addressing the body of staff, the Controller once again
reminded them of the far-reaching implications of smuggling
prohibited items, particularly mobile phones, into custodial
centres which, among other things, could lead to a riot, jailbreak
and others. Mobile phones can be used by inmates to commit crimes
or coordinate criminal activities. This will set back the task of
reformation of the inmates, the raison d’etre of the correctional
service.

“He also noted that the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019
has made provisions for sanctioning anyone found culpable of the
offence of trafficking. He, therefore, admonished the personnel to
shun such shameful act and concentrate on the task of character
reformation for which they were employed. He, however, noted that
the Service only has a place for personnel sold to the goals of
keeping society safe from offenders and reforming them into better
citizens while in custody.

“He commended the officer-charge of the custodial centre and the
staff members for the excellent display of professionalism that
prevented the smuggling of contraband into the yard.”