Federal Government Orders Probe into Alleged Inhumane Feeding of Calabar Prison Inmates
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has launched an investigation into the alleged poor feeding conditions at the Afokang Custodial Centre in Calabar. This comes after a viral video on Facebook claimed that inmates were subjected to inhumane treatment, including being served poorly cooked beans for breakfast.
In a statement released on Sunday by the minister’s media aide, Babatunde Alao, Tunji-Ojo expressed deep concern over the video, calling it a serious breach of the standards expected in the treatment of inmates. He emphasized the need to get to the bottom of the incident.
“The Minister views this incident as a grave violation of the care and dignity inmates are entitled to. He has ordered a thorough and urgent investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable,” Alao stated.
Tunji-Ojo also warned that any failures in the provision of food, sanitation, or overall welfare of the inmates would not be tolerated. He reiterated that inmates must be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, even in custody.
“The Minister of Interior will not condone any form of neglect or mistreatment of those in custody,” the statement concluded, adding that the findings from the investigation will be made public, and appropriate disciplinary measures will follow.
