Following the unfortunate electrocution of five inmates of the Ikoyi Medium Security Prison, seven officers and one junior staff of the correctional facility have been suspended, according to a statement by the head of the National Correctional Service, Ja’afaru Ahmed.
The Service has not said what efforts have been made officially to interface with members of the dead men’s family or nexts-of-kin; or whether compensation will be paid. The poor inmates that died were awaiting trial.
No word has also been released on the fate of seven others hospitalised as a result of the incident.
The statement by the Controller-General of the Service, through its spokesman, Mr. Francis Enobore, reads: “The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has approved the suspension of 7 senior officers and 1 junior personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service over the unfortunate electrocution of 5 inmates of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Lagos in order to facilitate unfettered investigation into the sad incident.
“The letter signed by the Secretary of the Board, Mal. Hassan S. Yakmut, stated that the indicted officers are placed on suspension pending the determination of the Discipline and General Purpose Committee of the Board.”
Built in 1955 for 800 inmates, had a population of 3,113 with 2,680 of them awaiting trial.