FG receives report on alleged corruption, torture in Nigerian correctional centres

The Federal Government has received a report from an independent investigative panel that examined allegations of corruption, abuse of power, torture, and other misconduct within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The development was announced by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo, in a statement posted on his official page.

According to the minister, the panel—chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani—completed its 18‑month investigation after being inaugurated in November 2024.

Tunji‑Ojo said the panel’s findings will guide reforms aimed at improving correctional facilities across the country.

“The findings will serve as a strong foundation for transforming our correctional facilities from mere places of incarceration into true centres of rehabilitation, reformation, restoration and reintegration,” he stated.

The minister also highlighted ongoing rehabilitation programmes within correctional centres, noting that the number of inmates who returned to custody after release has fallen sharply in recent years.

He said the recorded cases of recidivism dropped from 11,616 inmates in 2023 to 1,382 inmates in 2025.

He further disclosed that 62 inmates are currently pursuing postgraduate studies, while 261 are enrolled in undergraduate programmes. He added that 1,125 inmates are engaged in ongoing educational studies, and 9,582 others are participating in vocational and skills‑acquisition programmes.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that no Nigerian, whether free or in custody, is left behind,” the minister said.

Tunji‑Ojo stated that the government will move toward implementing the panel’s recommendations through monitoring and evaluation frameworks designed to strengthen correctional administration.

“Our goal is clear. Never again should our correctional centres be associated with dehumanisation, corruption, or discrimination,” he added.