The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reportedly launched an investigation into the death of a Rwandan inmate, Benjamin Relasss, at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following allegations of medical neglect, extortion, and poor inmate welfare.
According to sources familiar with the matter, a panel from the NCoS headquarters visited the facility after reports emerged about the inmate’s death and allegations of misconduct by prison officials.
Sources said the prison management convened an emergency meeting shortly after the reports surfaced, focusing on the circumstances surrounding Relasss’ death, the condition of another critically ill inmate, and concerns over information allegedly being leaked from within the correctional centre.
“The meeting was called because of the reports circulating online about the prison,” one source claimed.
The sources further disclosed that another inmate, who reportedly has about five months left to complete his sentence, was transferred to a hospital after his condition became critical.
However, they alleged that the inmate’s chances of survival now depend on whether funds can be raised to pay for his treatment.
According to the sources, prison authorities moved the inmate out of the facility before the investigative panel arrived to inspect his condition.
The sources also alleged that prison officials directed inmates to contribute money to purchase adult diapers for the sick prisoner instead of providing the items through official channels.
“They asked inmates to contribute money to buy diapers for the sick man. The inmates raised ₦15,000,” one source alleged, adding that authorities were unwilling to fund the inmate’s medical treatment.
There were also claims that prison officials suspect inmates of leaking information about conditions inside the facility to the media and have warned that the reports could trigger a comprehensive search of inmates and their cells.
Relasss, a Rwandan national, reportedly died on Tuesday while awaiting trial in a financial crime case before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja. He had remained in custody since 2023 after being denied bail, reportedly because he is a foreign national.
Sources alleged that inmates requiring specialist medical attention outside the correctional centre often face delays because some officials allegedly demand money before approving referrals to external hospitals, despite the facility’s limited medical equipment and personnel.
One source accused officials of prioritising financial demands over inmates’ welfare, alleging that the deceased died as a result of prolonged medical neglect.
Another source also claimed that inadequate access to healthcare remains a major challenge at the correctional centre, alleging that inmates are often required to provide money before being referred for treatment outside the facility.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Nigerian Correctional Service were unsuccessful at the time of filing the report.
The Service’s National Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Jane Osuji, did not respond to phone calls or a text message seeking comments on the allegations.
The allegations of medical neglect, extortion, and misconduct by prison officials remain unverified, and the Nigerian Correctional Service has yet to issue an official response.