NCoS confirms death of two awaiting trial inmates in A’Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Akwa Ibom State Command, has confirmed the death of two awaiting-trial inmates at the Uyo Custodial Centre following an electrical surge caused by a faulty transformer that supplies power to the facility.

The incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, was triggered by an explosion from a nearby transformer. The blast caused a high-voltage wire to snap and fall within the correctional centre premises, resulting in a total blackout and extensive damage to equipment.

Speaking during an interaction with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, the State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, described the incident as tragic and regrettable.

According to him, two awaiting-trial inmates lost their lives, while two correctional officers sustained injuries. Several electrical appliances and computers within the facility were also destroyed.

“It was very unfortunate because the incident caused a lot of damage both to our facility and to the families of the deceased,” Okonkwo said.

“When the explosion occurred, officials of PHEDC confirmed that it was caused by excessive voltage. The surge damaged our appliances, affected the barracks, and even the official residence of the officer in charge.”

He explained that the two inmates were thrown off their seats during the explosion. They were immediately given first aid and rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) by the facility’s medical team, where they were later confirmed dead.

Okonkwo disclosed that the deceased were awaiting trial for conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery. He, however, noted that they remained innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

“It was a big loss, especially considering they were awaiting trial,” he said. “Their families have been contacted, and one has already completed the process to retrieve the body. The corpses will only be released after investigations are concluded.”

The Controller revealed that the transformer involved had previously shown signs of fault and called on relevant authorities to fix the issue.

He also announced plans by the NCoS Command to launch a rehabilitation and empowerment programme for inmates who have completed various skill acquisition courses. The initiative, he said, is designed to help reintegrate inmates into society and reduce cases of reoffending.

“We are targeting about 30 beneficiaries for now,” Okonkwo stated. “Those who are about to complete their sentences and have acquired skills such as tailoring, carpentry, barbing, and welding will receive start-up packs to help them become self-reliant.”

He added that the empowerment initiative will cover inmates from custodial centres in Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket.

Okonkwo further noted that the NCoS remains gender-sensitive, with several female inmates trained in weaving, pastries, and other vocational skills, assuring that the empowerment programme would include both male and female participants.