The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kano Command, has refuted claims circulating in a section of the media that a minor is being held in one of its facilities.
In a statement signed by the command’s public relations officer, DSC Musbahu Kofar Nasarawa, available to newsmen in Kano today, Monday.
The statement emphasizes that no juvenile offenders are housed in its custodial centers, which are solely designed for adults aged 18 and above.
Read the statement:
NO MINOR OFFENDERS IN KANO CUSTODIAL FACILITIES
The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service Kano Command has been drawn to a malicious and false report from a section of the media that a minor is presently in custody of one of our facilities.
For the avoidance of doubt, the command categorically states that it has no juvenile offender in any of its custodial centers, which are exclusively designated to keep inmates aged 18 years and above.
To set the records straight, the said inmate presented in the misleading report has been confirmed to be presently 19 years and 2 months old.
He was remanded in the said custodial center for the offense of armed robbery by Chief Magistrate Court (CMC) Gyade-Gyade Kano on 26th January 2023 when he was 18 years and 6 months old.
The command wishes to inform the public that in no circumstances does it admit minors into its facilities, as such classes of offenders are usually referred to either Bostal Training Institute or Remand Home Goron Dutse located in Kano.
It is our duty always to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate offenders back into society by rebranding their lives to become productive and responsible citizens upon release.
It is obvious that the said report is a tactic coined to evade and disrupt the course of justice.
Therefore, the command calls on reporters and media persons to verify and confirm tentative reports before going to press.
The command’s Public Relations Officer is always available and should be contacted for confirmation of reports to avoid misleading the public, most especially on sensitive issues that pertain to national security.
The command, therefore, enjoins the general public to disregard and discountenance the report as a figment of the imagination of the reporter.
We are, therefore, calling on the general public to support the command as we work towards protecting them and making the society safer.
SC Musbahu Lawan KNASS
CPRO Kano Command
For Controller of Corrections Kano
