NCoS: ACG Fatinikun Calls for Ogun State’s Intervention on Overcrowded Facilities | ClipTV Online

Assistant Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), ACG Opeyemi Fatinikun mni has called for greater state government involvement in the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. He emphasized that “Correctional Service is now on the concurrent legislative list. This means that state and local governments can build and manage their own correctional facilities.

During a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, ACG Fatinikun noted that despite this legislative provision, Ogun State has yet to build a correctional facility since the enactment of the law.

NCoS Challenges

The ACG raised alarm over the high number of hardened criminals in correctional centers, stating that if he sleeps, the whole state will not be able to sleep because of the intelligent and dangerous criminals being held in custody. He further state that those inmates will create a chaotic state if allowed to the society without proper rehabilitation.

He highlighted the dangers of overcrowding in the facilities, stressing that the seven correctional centers in Ogun State are operating beyond their capacity, particularly with inmates on death row (IDR).

“These IDR inmates have given up on life and can be very dangerous,” he warned. “If any of them escape, the consequences will be devastating.”

Judiciary Wrength

Additionally, he noted that poor road infrastructure leading to correctional facilities makes transportation unsafe for correctional officers and increases security risks. “Visiting the facilities, about 40% of the inmates could not go to court because their director of public prosecutions (DPP) papers are not yet out. This figure represents those in the facilities without court hearing for over two years.”

Fatinikun expressed this poor performance of the judiciary unnecessarily place inmates in the custodial. He further compare the process to Lagos, stating that Lagos DPP is processed within three months.

Furthermore, ACG note “some of these offenders can be on non-custodial, they can serve terms by cleaning public places with adequate monitoring. The 2019 Correctional act gave room for this, Ogun State judiciary is yet to comply with this,” he reaffirmed.

NCoS Call for State Government Support

Fatinikun expressed disappointment that while other security agencies, such as the Nigeria Police, have direct access to the state governor, the Correctional Service struggles to get attention from the state government.

He called on Governor Abiodun to prioritize the needs of the correctional system and support the security of custodial centers to prevent potential dangers.

Ogun State Government Response

Speaking on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, appreciated the visit and acknowledged the concerns raised. However, he countered the claim that Ogun State had neglected the Correctional Service, stating that the government has been supportive of the service in the past and remains committed to doing more.

He encouraged ACG Fatinikun to submit a formal request detailing the service’s challenges and recommendations so that the governor could take appropriate action.

In Attendance

Mr. Boye Osifeso, Assistant to ACG, Zone A Correctional Service, CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun (Rtd.) – Consultant on Security to Governor Abiodun, Mrs. Mary Olabisi Odule Esq. – Director, Civil Advisory Services, Ministry of Justice, AIG Olusola K. Subair (Rtd.) – Special Adviser on Security, Alhaji Saka Iskeel Olanrewaju mni – Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services, CC Kamourudeen Abioye, Ogun State Controller, Correctional Service, and Dr. Emiko Ejegi, Medical Doctor, Zone A Correctional Service.

Next Agenda

The visit marked a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the Ogun State Government and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to improve security, inmate reformation and rehabilitation, and facility management.

With increased government intervention, it is hoped that overcrowding issues will be addressed, infrastructure will be improved, and the correctional system will be strengthened to ensure the safety of both inmates and the general public.