The Federal Government has ordered an urgent investigation following reports that inmates at the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar are being subjected to inhumane treatment, including being served poorly cooked beans as breakfast.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed deep concern over the video report, emphasizing that the government views the incident as a severe breach of the standards of care and dignity that inmates are entitled to. He directed a comprehensive and immediate investigation into the matter and warned that those responsible would be held accountable.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo made it clear that any lapses in the quality of food, sanitation, and overall welfare of inmates will not be tolerated. He stressed that the service must ensure that inmates are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“The Minister will not condone any form of mistreatment or neglect of individuals in custody. The findings of the investigation will be made public, and necessary disciplinary actions will be taken,” he stated.
This investigation comes in the wake of reports that the Afokang Correctional Centre has been plagued by diseases due to poor sanitation and inadequate feeding, leading to high rates of blood-borne infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV). The report highlighted that the overcrowded and impoverished conditions within the centre contribute significantly to the spread of such infections, with the study showing a 10.0% HBsAg prevalence among inmates, a rate slightly higher than the 9.50% obtained in previous studies by Ajuwon et al.
The government’s swift response signals a commitment to addressing the serious concerns raised about the conditions within the custodial centre.
