Kwara AG Leads Call for Accountability In Nigerian Correctional Service
The Body of State Attorneys-General has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s correctional system, calling for urgent and sustained reforms to address allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and inhumane treatment of inmates within correctional facilities.
This position was articulated by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Kwara State, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Federal Ministry of Interior in Abuja.
The engagement focused on deliberations surrounding the report of the Independent Investigative Panel established to examine allegations of corruption, torture, abuse, and degrading treatment of inmates by the Nigerian Correctional Service.
In his remarks, Sulyman commended the Honourable Minister of Interior for recognising the Body of State Attorneys-General as key stakeholders in the administration of justice. He noted that the body serves as a vital platform for collaboration in the discharge of constitutional responsibilities across states.
He described the Nigerian Correctional Service as a critical institution within the criminal justice system, recalling that its transition from the former Nigerian Prisons Service was intended to promote rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of inmates into society.
However, he observed that despite these reforms, the service continues to face significant challenges, including persistent allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, and violations of inmates’ fundamental rights—issues which necessitated the establishment of the investigative panel.
Sulyman emphasised that State Attorneys-General are not unaware of the complexities and responsibilities confronting the correctional system and have consistently collaborated with relevant authorities to improve its effectiveness.
He noted that the stakeholders’ engagement reflects a collective resolve to build a justice system that upholds the rule of law and respects the dignity and rights of all individuals, including inmates.
The Kwara State Attorney-General urged participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions, expressing confidence that the engagement would yield practical recommendations to enhance accountability, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve conditions within correctional facilities nationwide.
The Body of State Attorneys-General reiterated its readiness to support ongoing reforms and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a more humane, transparent, and effective correctional system in Nigeria.
Signed:
Office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice
Kwara State
