Attempted Prison Break At Kuje Correctional Center Again

In protest of the death of an inmate, prisoners yesterday attempted to break out at the Kuje Correctional Centre at the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, the move was defeated by security agents.

Recall that the Kuje correctional centre was attacked by Boko Haram members weeks ago, which led to the escape of inmates who were mostly imprisoned members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

According to sources, the latest turmoil at the centre, occurred in the wee hours of Monday, when the inmates protested the death of one of them, who was allegedly not given timely medical attention, ThisDayLive reports.

Also, it was gathered that some inmates tried to flee from the prison facility amidst the tension but were staved off by the warders.

Officials of the prison disclosed anonymously that the deceased inmate recently fell sick and the medical practitioner within the facility had attended to him and had referred him to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital last week Thursday.

He was transported there for treatment same day and was returned to the facility on Saturday.

According the source, who said he was not familiar with the illness the deceased was diagnosed of, said he was anticipated to be taken back to the Specialist Hospital for continuation of treatment on Monday but he died.

Speaking to ThisDayLive, another source said: “The inmate was sick but died this morning, he was taken to the hospital last week. The deceased has been sick for weeks now, but his condition deteriorated last night with the wardens refusing to attend to him before he gave up the ghost some minutes after 6am.”

The source added that some of the other prisoners tried to use the situation to breed unrest and escape from the facility, but their plan was defeated by the security.

Corroborating the event in a press statement, the Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command of Nigerian Correctional Service (NCos), Chukwuedo Humphrey, said an inmate died after a protracted illness.

“The inmate was admitted into Kuje custodial centre in 2019 and upon mandatory medical examination, he was diagnosed of some chronic ailments. He was immediately placed on special medical management by a combined team of medical personnel in the facility as well as occasional referrals to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, when necessary.

“Unfortunately, when the inmate’s health deteriorated over the weekend, all effort by the medical personnel to resuscitate him failed. A peaceful prayer session is being organised by the staff and fellow inmates of the deceased for the repose of his soul.”

Chukwuedo said the Controller of the Command, Ahmed Musa Ahmed, while conveying his condolence message to the family and friends of the late inmate, emphasized his devotion to prioritizing the health and general welfare of inmates and staff.

The Controller further urged those on special medical attention to guarantee strict compliance to expert instructions to overcome health challenges since drugs were at their disposal.