There is commotion at Kuje Prison, Abuja, following “indiscriminate gunshots” fired by officials of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS).
Lawyers of Charles Okah, one of the inmates at the facility, disclosed this in a statement, saying the life of their client is under threat.
“We are solicitors to CHARLES TONBRAH OKAH, in particular, and the entire inmates of Kuje Medium Security Prison in Abuja (whom we shall hereinafter, collectively refer to as “our clients”),” the lawyers said in a statement.
“It is our clients’ brief that Kuje Prison is currently under attack from members of the Nigerian Prisons Service armed squad who are indiscriminately firing gun shots and tear gas into the air.
“This has created pandemonium and violated the fundamental rights of the inmates, particularly, Mr. Charles Okah who has a known medical history which is incompatible with tear gas, gunshots, etc.
“We are, by virtue of this notice to Nigerians and the international community, particularly, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL and GLOBAL WITNESS, making it clear that the Nigerian Prisons Service is already in breach of the fundamental rights of the inmates of Kuje Prison.
“Our clients therefore reserve the right to sue and seek redress for the breach.”
When contacted, Francis Enobore, spokesman of the service, confirmed the development but said he could not give details because he was on his way to the prison.
There have been increasing cases of jailbreaks in recent times.
On July 30, not less than 13 inmates escaped from Koton Karfe prison in Kogi State.
Ten days later, no fewer than 15 inmates at the Federal Prisons in Nsukka, Enugu State, escaped in another jailbreak that reportedly took place late in the evening.
Also this August, no fewer than 14 inmates of the Abakaliki prison in Ebonyi State capital, were feared killed during a jailbreak bid under the cover of a prison riot.
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