Admin l Friday, July 21, 2017
KUJE, Abuja, Nigeria – A faceless group of prisoners, called Prisoners Against Injustice in Nigeria (PAIN) has set Kuje Prison, Abuja on fire in protest for what they called pathetic state of affairs and corruption within prison services.
The affected buildings are the moribund Clinic block, Custody 2, which is the congested home to 153 Awaiting Trial Inmates, Convicts block (custody 3) which houses 322 inmates and Custody 4, with 306 inmates.
The group according to Sahara Reporters posted a hand weitten statement on the gate to tell the world why it has to attack the prison.
PAIN blamed the death of Mr. Samuel Mba and that of many other inmates on gross negligence, corruption and the lack of basic medicines and equipment to treat emergencies and routine health challenges.
PAIN said that in spite of the huge annual budgetary allocation to the Nigeria Prison Service, inmates are forced to buy medicines through prison staff and seek funds to treat serious conditions in healthcare facilities outside the yard. Those who are unable to afford health services are left to their fate, with many dying.
“PAIN described the prison clinic building as a carcass housing non-functional equipment to deceive visitors. They said the dead equipment served only as ornaments and storage shelves.
“PAIN also said they burnt down the overcrowded cells to ensure that spacious replacements ideal for human habitation is built.
PAIN also blamed Nigeria’s criminal justice system, adding that there was a different law for the rich and influential, and another for the poor masses. “Corrupt politicians who have looted the treasury only spend a few days in prison and are given special treatment while the poor man who stole a mobile phone is awaiting trial for years without bail,” said PAIN.
“While corrupt judges have never stepped their foot into the cells as inmates, their trials are speedy and they have not been made to face the same fate they have subjected so many others too,” the group added.
PAIN stated that a total of 781 inmates have been displaced, adding that the situation should get the attention of the judiciary to accelerate trials and grant bails where applicable.
