PANDEMONIUM is the noun that aptly describes the scene at Kuje Prison, Abuja, following riots that broke out and indiscriminate gunshots that were fired, as officials of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) arrived at the facility for their routine duties.
It was gathered that the crisis started at about 10.30am from one of the blocks and spread to other blocks within the facility.
A source said inmates had been locked up while heavily armed security operatives fire teargas towards inmates’ cells.
“There is heavy shooting now. The whole place is in confusion. All the inmates have been locked in their cells but the security operatives are shooting teargas into the cells,” the source said.
“We don’t know what happened but it seems there is serious trouble here. There are so many armed security operatives all over the place.”
The spokesperson of the Nigerian Prison Service, Francis Enobore, confirmed the incident, saying:
“We have received report of a problem in Kuje Prision but give me a little time to get the facts on it as some of our men are already on ground to handle the situation,” he said.
“We are monitoring what is happening. I will revert to you as soon we get more detail from our men on the ground.”
In a related development, Lawyers of Charles Okah, in a statement said: “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”).”
“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.”
