01/03/2026
Press Statement
NCoS CLARIFIES INCIDENT INVOLVING TRACYNITHER NICHOLAS OHIRI; CONDEMNS OBSTRUCTION OF LAWFUL CUSTODY PROCESS
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) wishes to clarify the sequence of events surrounding an incident involving a defendant, Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri (defendant), who was lawfully ordered to be remanded at Keffi Correctional Centre in Case No. CR/12/2026, by Magistrate Court 7, Wuse Zone 2, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on the 26th of February, 2026.
The Court ordered that the defendant be detained pending the perfection of her bail conditions. In compliance with the valid remand order and commitment warrant duly issued by the Court, officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service took steps to convey the defendant to custody in Keffi, as required by law and specified in the warrant.
However, the NCoS Officers were frustrated by certain disgruntled individuals including persons identifying themselves as civil society actors, who obstructed the officers from carrying out their lawful duty of conveying the defendant to the Keffi Correctional Centre. Despite repeated explanations and appeals for understanding, the group insisted that the defendant would not be moved, thus preventing the movement of the defendant to the said Correctional Centre same day. The defendant was later taken to a nearby Police Station for safe and protective custody for the night.
In the morning of the following day, being the 27th February, 2026, when NCoS Officers resumed efforts to move the defendant from the Police Station to the Custodial Centre in compliance with the subsisting court order, the same obstruction reoccurred by the same group. During this process, Ohiri, purporting to have taken ill, was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
It was at the hospital that the situation escalated significantly, as the crowd, invited by these actors, increased in number and intensified their efforts to prevent the lawful movement of the defendant. Very Senior Officers, including a group of Doctors from the Service who were dispatched from the Service Headquarters to douse the situation were subjected to verbal abuse, harassment, and open ridicule while attempting to discharge their statutory responsibilities. This is an obvious act of disobedience to lawful order and obstruction of justice.
The Service has also noted reports in circulation alleging that the detention documentation was irregularly processed, forged and manipulated. These allegations are entirely false, misleading, unfounded and aimed at distracting attention from the obvious act of disobedience to lawful order and the incitement of the public. The ‘Warrant of Commitment to Prison on Remand’ and the ‘Order to Reproduce Prisoner’ were duly issued and signed by the same Court and Magistrate; a court of competent jurisdiction, and processed in accordance with established legal and administrative procedures. At no time was any document forged, altered, or manipulated. The Service operates strictly within the confines of lawful court directives and maintains verifiable custody records subject to institutional oversight.
For the avoidance of doubt:
• The Nigerian Correctional Service does not grant bail.
• Bail is granted solely by a court of competent jurisdiction.
• Where a court orders detention pending perfection of bail, the inmate remains in lawful custody until all conditions are fully satisfied and verified.
• Correctional officers are legally obligated under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act to execute valid court orders accordingly.
The Service is fully aware of the deliberate delay tactics, obstruction and emotional blackmail employed during this incident by this group. However, in line with its professional standards and commitment to the protection of inmates and the preservation of public order, officers exercised maximum restraint. At no time did the Service seek confrontation. The overriding priority remained the safety of the defendant, the officers involved, and members of the public.
The situation has since been brought under control, and appropriate steps are being taken in line with the law.
The Service reiterates that it respects the rights of all persons in custody, including access to medical care and due process. However, no individual or group has the authority to override a subsisting court order or dictate custodial procedures.
Any attempt to obstruct correctional officers from executing lawful court orders constitutes interference with lawful custody and undermines the administration of justice. Such actions carry serious legal and security implications, as they undermine the rule of law and pose risks to public order and institutional security. This act is condemnable and will not be condoned.
The Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to professionalism, restraint, and strict compliance with the law. Members of the public and advocacy groups are advised to pursue all concerns through lawful and institutional channels rather than actions capable of disrupting the administration of justice.
JN Osuji
Chief Superintendent of Corrections.
Service Public Relations Officer
28th February, 2026