The Services are the Nigeria Immigration Service,  (NIS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,  NSCDC, the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS) and the Federal Fire Service, (FFS)

Announcing the promotion at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja on Friday,  the Minister of Interior,  Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the exercise was conducted in line with Service rules and after examinations have been carried out in all the Services.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for the speedy approval of the promotion, saying it was in tandem with his commitment to the welfare of all personnel serving the country in various institutions.

Dr Tunji-Ojo was represented by the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,  Dr Ahmed Audi. He was flanked by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service,  NCOS, Haliru Nababa and the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Immigration, Fire and Correctional Services Board,  Alhaji Ahmed Jaafaru.

The Minister, who described the promotion exercise as unprecedented especially in the NSCDC,  urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by re-dedicating themselves to the Service of the country.

Dr Tunji-Ojo gave the breakdown of the promotion in accordance with the numbers of those who participated in the examinations conducted for the personnel.

According to him out of 25,351 personnel who sat for promotion examinations in the NSCDC, 21,381 personnel were promoted to the next ranks.

In the Immigration Service,  he said 6,544 sat for examinations with 4,598 promotion, while 1680 were promoted in the Federal Fire Service out of 1698 who sat for examinations.

The Minister said in the Correctional Service, 4498 were promoted out of over 7,000 who sat for the examinations.

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While appearing before the house of representatives during plenary on Tuesday, Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff (CDS), said some warders help Boko Haram suspects move cash used for terrorist attacks.

Musa said warders are compensated for providing their bank accounts to the suspects, adding that some of the insurgents confessed to the act during interrogations.

In a statement on Thursday, Alao Babatunde, media aide to the interior minister, quoted his principal as saying that anyone found jeopardising the country’s security will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The minister said Haliru Nababa, comptroller-general of NCoS, should carry out the investigation speedily with the view to unravelling the truth and the “disturbing allegation”.

“The era of talks but no action is over,” NAN quoted the minister as saying.

“The renewed hope administration will not entertain any breach from any officer. We have the interest of the state to protect and it is above anyone’s interest.”

Though degraded, Boko Haram and ISWAP still pose significant threats, especially in Nigeria’s arid northern region.

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On Tuesday, Godwin Emefiele, suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), was arraigned at the court in Ikoyi and was granted N20 million bail.

Emefiele is facing charges bordering on “illegal possession of firearms”.

Nicholas Oweibo, the judge, ruled that Emefiele be remanded at the correctional centre, pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions but DSS operatives insisted on taking him into their custody.

Consequently, a scuffle broke out between the NCoS personnel and the DSS officials at the court premises.

In a statement on Wednesday, Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesperson, described the incident as “unfortunate”, adding that “it does not reflect the professional disposition of the service”.

He said the DSS has respect for the judiciary and would not go out of its way to undermine it.

“The DSS recognises the Judiciary as a critical component in nation-building, national development and security management,” Afunanya said.

“Also, the service has a robust working relationship with sister security and law enforcement agencies including the NCoS.”

Afunanya said the personnel of both agencies exhibited “undue overzealousness”, noting that the DSS has initiated an investigation into the matter.

“This is with a view to identifying the role played by specific persons as well as undertaking disciplinary actions if necessary and drawing some lessons going forward,” he said.

“For emphasis, the DSS has not broken any laws in handling the Emefiele case despite efforts by some elements to skew the narratives to the contrary.

“The service had since alerted the public of sinister plots to discredit its leadership. In pursuit of its assignments, it will strive to remain professional, maintain ethical standards and a high sense of discipline.

“The service will ensure that it will not be used for clout and fame chasing or delusional heroism. It will, however, remain focused on its national security mandate.”

He urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the service in achieving the desired security goals for the nation.

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Earlier on Tuesday, a federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, granted Emefiele N20 million bail and one surety in like sum.

Emefiele is facing charges bordering on “illegal possession of firearms”.

Nicholas Oweibo, the presiding judge, ruled that the embattled apex bank chief be remanded at the correctional centre, pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.

However, DSS operatives insisted on taking Emefiele into their custody.

Heated arguments and an all-out brawl between personnel of both services ensued on the premises of the court.

BACKGROUND

On June 9, President Bola Tinubu suspended Emefiele and asked him to transfer his responsibilities to Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi, deputy governor, operations directorate.

The day after, the DSS announced that Emefiele was in its custody for “some investigative reasons”.

On July 13, a federal capital territory high court ordered the DSS to charge Emefiele to court if they have a foolproof case against him.

Hamza Muazu, presiding judge, had said Emefiele should be released on bail if he is not taken to a competent court within a week.

The DSS had argued that while in its custody, Emefiele had access to family members and medical doctors.

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The operatives of the secret police took custody of Emefiele after a physical fight with officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

It had earlier been reported that the DSS operatives had a face-off with prison officials over the custody of Emefiele.

The fight occurred in front of Nicholas Oweibo’s courtroom at the federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Shortly after the brawl, the prison officials left the premises of the court.

Earlier on Tuesday, the court had granted bail to Emefiele in the sum of N20 million.

In a ruling, Nicholas Oweibo, the presiding judge, said the charges against Emefiele are bailable.

The bail was granted with one surety in like sum.

Earlier, Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms.

The federal government had accused Emefiele of having in his possession, 123 rounds of live ammunition (cartridges) without a licence.

COURT REJECTS FG’S OBJECTION TO BAIL APPLICATION

After Emefiele took his plea, his counsels, led by Joseph Daodu, a senior advocate of Nigeria, informed the court of a bail application.

Daodu prayed that the court should grant bail to his client on self recognisance or on other liberal terms, pending the hearing and determination of the trial.

“There is no counter affidavit from the federal government, this is an unopposed application. He is a renowned banker and can only stay at his house. He can’t travel anywhere,” Daodu said.

But Nkiru Nebo-Jones, a deputy director of prosecution at the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), opposed the bail application, saying she has not seen a copy of the document.

Daodu said the office of the AGF was served the document of the bail application, adding that the proof of service endorsed by the AGF’s office was in the court’s file.

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It added that the Nigerian Immigration Service had also been issued an alert, noting that the data of the inmates were being compiled and would be sent to the relevant organisations in batches so as not to delay the manhunt.

A senior official with the Nigerian Correctional Service on Saturday told one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity that the number of “dangerous” inmates on the loose officially was 3,471, including those who escaped in Owerri.

The source noted that the inmates included hardened criminals, kidnappers, armed robbers and condemned criminals awaiting execution. “Suffice it to say that the bulk of those who fled Owerri correctional centre are hardened criminals,” the source added.

No fewer than 1,844 inmates escaped from the Owerri Custodial Centre on Monday when unidentified gunmen broke into the facility with the aid of explosives. The gunmen also attacked the state police headquarters, where they freed about 600 suspects in custody. The attackers torched the facilities and also vehicles on both premises.

Despite the persuasion by the Federal Government and its assurance that they would be given amnesty from fresh prosecution if they returned to the facility, the NCoS said on its website on Wednesday that it had a total of 84 inmates back in custody. It said the figure included those who did not flee during the jailbreak, those recaptured, those who voluntarily returned and those brought back by their relations, traditional rulers and religious leaders.

Further investigations showed that about 1,780 inmates were on the loose, while only 35 inmates didn’t escape during the attack.

On Friday, NCoS authorities published on its Twitter handle the names and pictures of 36 of the fleeing inmates.

Meanwhile, following the escapees’ refusal to return to the custodial centre, the NCoS said it was compiling the names and pictures of the fleeing inmates for dispatch to the NIS to prevent them from leaving the country and INTERPOL to track those who might have fled.

The NCoS spokesperson, Francis Enobore, a Controller of Corrections, said the service would seek the assistance of the two agencies in arresting the escaped inmates.

Enobore said, “We are putting the list together, we would definitely seek INTERPOL and NIS’ assistance.”

Asked how soon they planned to do it, Enobore stated, “Like the ones we are processing now, we want everything to be comprehensive so that we send them at the same time. We also realise that waiting for the list to be comprehensive before sending may also slow down the manhunt, so these batches that are coming up would be sent for local searches at motor parks and other places but everything would be uploaded to the (INTERPOL) platform.”

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The correctional centre and the police command headquarters in Owerri were attacked in the early hours of Monday.

The police alleged that the invasion was carried out by the Eastern Security Network, an outfit of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to a statement issued on Monday, Francis Enobore, public relations officer (PRO) of the NCS, said six inmates have voluntarily returned to the facility, while 35 refused to escape from custody during the attack.

“The Owerri Custodial Centre in Imo State has been attacked by unknown gunmen and forcefully released a total of 1,844 inmates in custody,” Enobore said.

“The attackers who stormed the facility at about 0215hrs on Monday 5th April, 2021, gained entrance into the yard by using explosives to blast the administrative block.

“They were said to have arrived the centre in their large number in several Hilux pick-up vans and Sienna buses, armed with sophisticated weapons and immediately engaged the security personnel on duty in a fierce gun battle. They eventually detonated the explosive to gain entrance.”

Enobore added that John Mrabure, the acting controller-general of corrections, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“While appealing to the good citizens of Imo State and indeed Nigerians to volunteer useful intelligence that will facilitate the recovery effort, the Ag. Controller-General wishes to assure that the security of custodial centres in the country remains sacrosanct,” the spokesman said.

“He equally directed all officers attached to custodial facilities to remain vigilant at this trying moment in our history.”

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Some hoodlums attacked the prisons during the #EndSARS protest in the state. Following the development, a 24-hour curfew was declared in the state.

A statement by Mohammed Manga, NCS director of press and public relations, on Tuesday, noted that most of the inmates held at the centres are “convicted criminals serving terms for various criminal offences, awaiting execution or standing trial for violent crimes”.

“Two NCoS custodial centres in Benin City and Oko in Edo State were attacked yesterday by protesters purportedly under the #ENDSARS aegis, freeing (at the last count) 1,993 inmates in legal custody and looting the centres, including the weapons in their armoury,” the statement read.

“They came in large numbers, bearing dangerous weapons and attacked the officers on guard duty. They were unmistakable on their mission, which was to force the cells open, free the inmates, and carry out other nefarious activities.

“Their being let loose gravely imperils lives and property, and that it is an unacceptable and intolerable threat to national and communal security. Investigation has commenced to determine the full impact of the attack.”

The NCS added that the situation has been brought under control, while security around custodial centres nationwide has been beefed up.

He also noted that the government is tracking all the escaped inmates.

“The integrity of the custodial centres is, therefore, fundamental to justice. Inmates of the centres are expected to pay their dues to society, undergo reformation and be reintegrated into society as changed-for-better persons,” Manga said.

“When this process is disrupted in any way, the integrity of justice and societal renewal is subverted, with dire and unimaginable consequences.

“Government’s primary duty is to protect lives and property and keep the people safe. We shall not be shirking in our responsibility and we shall not disappoint the people.”

The NCS also advised residents to report anyone that might have escaped from the custodial centres to the nearest security agency.

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The Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Lagos State, Sam Iyakoregha, gave the assurance on Friday, June 26, 2020 during a working visit by the Lagos Zonal Head of the EFCC, Mohammed Rabo to the NCS’ facility in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Rabo, who conveyed the regards of the acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, to Iyakoregha, acknowledged the existing working relationship between the EFCC and the Service.

Rabo also complained of denial of entrance into the,NCS’ facility by an convict secured by the EFCC: “We are here to observe that one of our convicts was rejected entry to your facilities for want of COVID-19 test result yesterday.

“It came to us as a mix-up in view of the recent meeting between the acting Chairman of EFCC and the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, where an agreement was reached over the admission of inmates from us.

“Though we are aware of the challenges you are facing , we are obligated to continue to discharge our duties, in spite of the pandemic.

“Efforts are being made to ensure compliance with all the reviewed regulations and protocols in order to ensure that our suspects are screened before they are brought to your facilities”, he said.

In his response, Iyakoregha expressed his gratitude over the visit, saying, ”

The visit is noble and the idea is good. I was planning to visit earlier before the pandemic. “It is important that we deepen the cooperation between us as agencies to promote integrated activities.

“Initially, we had closed our facilities against inmates, but we have started receiving inmates. The only class of inmates we are not taking for now is the awaiting trials. The reason is simple: our facilities will be jam-packed”, he said.

Continuing, Iyakoregha apologised for the rejection of the convict. “As you rightly observed, the rejection of your convicted inmate yesterday was a mix-up. I want to crave your indulgence that it was an error. We have some challenges and problems we are trying to harmonize. As soon as we arrange ourselves properly, all the challenges would be in the past”, he said.

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Faisal is the son of Abdulrasheed Maina, the former Pension Reform Task Team chairman. Both of them are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 12-count charge that borders on operating fictitious bank accounts, money laundering and fraud to the tune of N2.1billion.

While his father was remanded in the Nigeria Correctional Service centre, Kuje, Abuja, his son, Faisal is cooling his heels in the custody of the Police Special Tactical Squad, Asokoro.

The court had fixed Wednesday, November 6 for the commencement of trial of the defendant. But when the matter was called, his counsel, Francis Oransanye informed the court that he had been denied access to his client by the police and requested the transfer of the defendant to the Nigerian Correctional Centre. According to him, access to his client will enable the defendant prepare for his defence. He therefore urged the court to adjourn hearing on the bail application to a later date when the defence team would have had access to the defendant.

Responding, prosecuting counsel, M.S Abubakar, reminded the court that after the arraignment of the defendant on October 25, 2019, the court adjourned the matter till November 6 for trial. He also noted that it was on October 30, that the issue of bail application came up and that the matter was further adjourned at the instance of the prosecution to enable it file a counter motion, hence the matter was adjourned to November 6.

“It is our submission that adjournment till November 6, has not been vacated. The learned counsel should allow us call our witness,” Abubakar said.

In his ruling, Justice Abang held that there was no proof before the court that the police indeed denied the team of the defence counsel access to the defendant, stating that what counsel said amounted to hearsay witnessing. He therefore, declared that application to transfer the defendant to any other place other than the Nigeria Police Special Tactical Squad, Asokoro “is hereby refused.”

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