Nasarawa Governor Seeks FCT Collaboration After Keffi Prison Break

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has called for closer collaboration with relevant authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to expedite the prosecution of inmates awaiting trial at the Keffi Medium Custodial Centre.

Governor Sule made the appeal on Wednesday during a visit to the facility, a day after a jailbreak in which 16 inmates escaped.

Addressing officials and later interacting with inmates, the governor noted that many of those awaiting trial were linked to cases before FCT courts. He assured that the state government would explore avenues to fast-track their trials to reduce congestion at the centre.

While speaking to the inmates, Sule urged them to remain law-abiding and of good behaviour. He also directed the immediate supply of 500 mattresses to improve living conditions after observing that several inmates were sitting on bare floors.

The governor commended correctional officers, other security agencies, and citizens for their efforts in re-arresting some of the escapees, and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons to the authorities.

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the jailbreak occurred in the early hours of Tuesday after inmates overpowered personnel on duty.

“In the course of containing the situation, five personnel of the Custodial Centre sustained varying degrees of injury, with two currently serious and receiving urgent medical attention at a government health facility. Seven of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured and are now in custody,” he said.

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, who visited the facility after the incident, ordered a full investigation into the escape. He warned that any staff member found complicit would face disciplinary action.