Abuja-based lawyer Bala Dakum has filed a formal petition accusing senior officers at Kuje Correctional Centre of running a systematic extortion scheme that forces inmates to pay bribes for basic humane treatment.
Dakum addressed the petition, dated February 11, 2026, to Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Sylvester Nwakuche.
He copied the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The lawyer represents affected inmates and their families who report widespread abuse of power.
According to the petition, the controller in charge of Kuje and his aides demand unlawful payments from inmates.
These bribes secure access to services inmates legally deserve free of charge.
The demands cover medical attention, internal movement within the facility, humane living conditions, and other essential privileges.
Dakum describes the practice as grave corruption and gross misconduct.
He stresses that poorer inmates suffer the most because they cannot afford to pay.
This creates a discriminatory system inside the prison walls.
Public reaction erupted quickly after Sahara Reporters highlighted the petition on February 15. Social media users condemned the alleged exploitation.
One commenter called it “wicked,” while another pointed out how cash or connections buy VIP perks—private cells, air conditioning, and better food—while indigent prisoners endure hardship.
The allegations fit a longer pattern of corruption in Nigerian correctional facilities.
Past scandals, including high-profile cases of luxury treatment for wealthy inmates in exchange for bribes, have drawn national outrage.
Amnesty International reports have documented similar bribe-for-care practices across prisons, which deny basic rights and worsen overcrowding and health crises.
Nwakuche responded swiftly. On February 13, he ordered an immediate investigation into the officers at Kuje.
The probe aims to verify the claims and sanction anyone found guilty.Dakum urges a thorough, independent inquiry. He calls for perpetrators to face full accountability.
He also suggests involving other law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies if needed.
This case renews urgent calls for reform in Nigeria’s correctional system.
Advocates demand stronger oversight, transparent welfare provisions, and strict enforcement of inmates’ constitutional rights to dignity and humane treatment.
Until then, vulnerable prisoners continue to pay the price for a broken system.
