23 Prisons Officers Dismissed, 11 Others Suspended Following Jailbreak

The Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB) has at its emergency meeting held last Thursday, approved the dismissal of three senior prisons officers serving in Kuje Medium Security prison and three other senior officers serving in Koton Karfe Prison in Kogi State for their complicity in the escape of prisoners from the respective prisons.

The dismissal letters dated August 12, 2016 were signed by the Secretary to the board, Alhaji A A Ibrahim.

The letter read in part: “CDFIPB considered the allegation of serious misconduct arising from your negligence of duty as levelled against you. The board thereafter approved your immediate dismissal from the Nigerian Prisons Service in line with the provision of the Public Service Rule 030402 (O) being an action prejudicial to the security of the state.”

Similarly, the Controller-General of Prisons in his capacity has approved the dismissal of seven junior staff serving in Kuje Medium Security prison and 10 other junior staff serving in Koton Karfe prison also implicated in the escape saga.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Francis Enobore, said the affected officers are to hand over all government property in their possession to their immediate superior and proceed accordingly.

Meanwhile, the officer in charge of Nsukka Prison, Okonkwo Lawrence and 10 others have been suspended over the recent prisoners’ escape from the prison.

The suspension is to allow for detailed and uninterrupted investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident in order to facilitate appropriate action by the authority.

In the wake of incessant escape of prisoners from some prisons in the country Ahmed on August 2, 2016 convened an emergency meeting of Command Officers and 241 officers in charge prisons, country to reassess security measures for safe keeping of prisoners.

Although a number of escapees have been recaptured, efforts are still being made to ensure that all the fugitives are apprehended and returned to prison custody.

The Controller General assured all officers and men of the service of his readiness to support and encourage hard work and dedication to duty.

He frowned at acts of negligence capable of embarrassing the service and the nation at large.
While appreciating the collaboration of security agencies, vigilante groups and members of the public for their support, the Controller General further assured that all necessary measures are being put in place to guarantee maximum security of persons in prison custody.