Two awaiting-trial inmates reportedly died in custody at the Uyo Custodial Centre in Akwa Ibom following an electrical surge from a faulty transformer that affected the facility.
The incident occurred two weeks ago when a nearby transformer exploded, causing a high-voltage wire to snap and fall within the custodial premises, plunging the area into darkness.
Speaking with members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, the Nigeria Correctional Service, NCoS, Akwa Ibom State Command, Frank Okonkwo, confirmed the tragic death of the awaiting-trial inmates.
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Okonkwo described the centre as the worst hit by the incident, lamenting that the explosion claimed the lives of two awaiting-trial inmates, injured two staff members, and destroyed several electrical appliances.
He recalled that ”during the explosion, the deceased were thrown off from where they were staying. Despite first aid administered by the facility’s medical personnel and their subsequent transfer to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, they were later confirmed dead.”
Okonkwo explained that although the victims were awaiting trial for conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery, they remained presumed innocent until proven otherwise by the court. He described the incident as deeply unfortunate.
He added that the families of the deceased had been contacted and that one had already completed the process to retrieve the remains. However, the corpses would only be released after investigations were concluded.
“It was very unfortunate because the incident caused a lot of damage both to our facility and the families of the deceased,” he said. “When that explosion occurred, officials of PHEDC came and confirmed that it was due to excessive voltage. The surge destroyed all our electrical appliances, including computers.
“It also affected our barracks and the official residence of the officer in charge. But the most painful aspect was the loss of two inmates, who died despite all efforts to save them. They were awaiting trial, one for conspiracy and kidnapping, the other for armed robbery.”
Okonkwo recalled that the same transformer had developed faults in the past, though without casualties, and called on relevant authorities to intervene to prevent a recurrence.
He stated that the NCoS Legal Department was investigating the matter and would present a comprehensive report in due course.
The controller also disclosed that the command was preparing to launch a rehabilitation and empowerment initiative for inmates who had completed vocational training while in custody. He said the programme would equip beneficiaries with start-up kits to help them reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending.
“We are targeting 30 inmates for now, depending on available funds and support from donors,” he said.
“The beneficiaries will be drawn from our custodial centres in Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket. They have acquired skills such as tailoring, carpentry, barbering, and welding and are nearing discharge between now and December.”
Okonkwo added that the service is gender-sensitive and that female inmates have also received training in weaving, pastry-making, and other trades. He stressed that the empowerment programme would include both male and female beneficiaries to ensure their successful reintegration into society.
