(Romanus Ugwu, ABUJA)
The Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) has already wielded the big stick over the escape of two high profile culpable homicide inmates at the Kuje Medium Security Prison, suspending a total number of 14 officers and men.
The two inmates, Solomon Amodu and Maxwell Ajukwu (both standing trial for culpable homicide) had escaped from lawful custody in Kuje Prison on Friday June 24, 2016.
The statement made available to Prison Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Nigeria Prison Service (NPS), DCP Francis Enobore, revealed that while the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Services Board (CDFIPB) approved the suspension of 4 senior officers, the Controller-General of Prisons, Ja’afaru Ahmed, in his capacity, also approved the suspension of 10 junior staff of the prison.
According to him, the affected officers and men include: DCP Musa Tanko, SIP Buhari Musa Dogo, PIP Stephen Edogbanya J, PIP Patrick Teru, IP Usman Peter, IP Dennis B. Makum, IP Fassan S. Akin, SPA Daka James, SPA Adamu Luka, SPA Zakari Yunasa, PA Asnamal Samuel, PA Ejegwa Patrick, PA 11 Isah Ibrahim and PA 11 Ngede Salifu.
“The suspension is sequel to the outcome of the preliminary investigation into the incident and in consonance with PSR 030406 (2008) Revised Version; the officers were suspended from duty to allow for unhindered trial process.
“The commissioned officers among them are to be served with letters of query while the junior staff will be given Form 96 (Charge Sheet) to explain their role in the unfortunate saga,” the service noted.
Meanwhile, NPS has reassured Nigerians that the efforts to recapture the fleeing prisoners in collaboration with sisters security agencies are on-going, adding that has also tightened security measures in and around prison formations nationwide to forestall a repeat of such incident.
“The Controller General wishes to solicit the cooperation of members of the public to volunteer useful information that will assist in the recapture of the fugitives,” the serice added.