Terrorism Financing: Federal Govt Orders Probe Of Prison Officers

Minister of interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has called for the immediate investigation of a report on misconduct by some officers and men of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

The probe order is contained in a statement signed by his special adviser on media and publicity, Alao Babatunde, yesterday in Abuja.

LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that the directive is a response to allegations by the chief of defence staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, that Prison warders were conniving with Boko Haram elements to carry out terror operations.

The CDS revealed this when the appeared before members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

General Musa had alleged that some personnel of the correctional service connived with inmates to finance the operations of proscribed terrorist groups.

In his reaction, Interior minister, Dr. Tunji- Ojo, condemned the unpatriotic act and directed the comptroller-general of the NCoS to immediately investigate the disturbing allegation. 

The statement reads: “The minister has called for a speedy investigation into the matter, and any officer culpable or complicit of sabotaging the Nigerian Correctional facility, and by extension the security of the country, shall face the full wrath of the law.

“The minister also wishes to inform the public that actions are underway to reform the correctional service to match international standards where inmates would be truly rehabilitated in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said, “The era of talk but no action is over. The Renewed Hope administration will not entertain breaches from any officer. We have the interest of the state to protect, and it is above anyone’s interest.”