NCoS Clears Air on Allegations of Juvenile Detention in Adult Facilities

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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly denied allegations that minors arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests were held in adult facilities at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. The statement follows concerns raised after 76 individuals, including minors aged 12 to 15, were arraigned for serious charges including terrorism and attempted overthrow of the government.

NCoS spokesman Umar Abubakar emphasized that the service operates under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, which explicitly prohibits the detention of juveniles in adult facilities. “There are misleading reports suggesting that the suspects were remanded in adult custodial centres. This is not true,” Abubakar stated, reinforcing the service’s commitment to global best practices in the treatment of juvenile offenders.

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After the court proceedings on November 1, Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered that minors be housed in a designated borstal facility. However, reports surfaced claiming that Kuje lacked adequate accommodations for juveniles. In response, Abubakar assured the public that “none of the juvenile defendants were detained in adult cells,” as custodial facility superintendents have the authority to reject new intakes if they exceed capacity.

The spokesperson called for the public to disregard the misinformation, highlighting the NCoS’s adherence to human rights standards. He noted, “The Service will continue to emphasize professionalism and respect for human rights in line with the United Nations Minimum Standard Rules for the Treatment of Juvenile Offenders.”

Out of the 76 protesters brought before the court, 67 were granted bail with conditions set at ₦10 million each, while the remaining minors are expected to be accommodated appropriately as the case progresses.