Gombe: NCoS refutes allegations of denying Take-It-Back members access to remanded state coordinator

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Gombe State Command, has denied allegations that it denied members of Take-It-Back Movement access to visiting remanded state coordinator, Thomas Umar.

This is contained in a press statement issued to journalists in Gombe on Sunday by DSC Abdullahi Hamma, the Command’s spokesperson in the state on behalf of Mr. Salihu Abdullahi, the Controller of Corrections, Gombe State Command.

Hamma described the allegations being peddled by an online news outlet as false, unpatriotic and an attempt at denting the good image of the Service.
He said that NCoS remained committed to ensuring that the rights of every inmate was protected in line with the provisions of the law.

“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Gombe State Command has been drawn to a purported online report.

“The online report alleged that officials of the MSCC Gombe blocked members of the above mentioned group from visiting the said Thomas Umar.

“The Command wishes to inform the general public that this report is false, unpatriotic and also fabricated to paint the image of the Service in bad light,” he said.

Explaining further, Hamma said that the concerned inmate, Umar had earlier applied through the Welfare Office that only few authorised persons would visit him.

According to the application, the names of those persons he wishes to see were clearly listed in the content of his application.

He said that Umar, clearly in his application stated that any visitor whose names were not mentioned in his application should not be allowed unless with his “humble consent.”

Hamma, therefore, urged the media to painstakingly fact-check their stories to avoid circulating falsehoods, while urging members of the public to disregard the baseless report in its entirety.

“The NCoS is committed to upholding justice and fairness in ensuring that all inmates in custody are being properly reformed, rehabilitated and reintegrated at the expiration of their jail term.

Our Correspondent reports that Umar, 32 was remanded on April 10, 2025 at the Gombe Medium Security Custodial Centre on the order of Federal High Court, Gombe.

He is being held in custody for the offence of Insult, Enmity, Hatred and ill-will which is a Punishable offence under Cybercrime Act 2015 now Amended.