The Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano Command has denied having any juvenile offender in any of its centers.
A statement by the spokesman of the state command, Musbahu Lawan K/nass, on behalf of the Controller of Corrections Kano Monday said the media report that claim such was not true.
In the statement made available to Good Evening Nigeria “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kano Command,has been drawn to a malicious and false report from a section of the Media that a Minor is presently in custody of one of our Facilities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command Categorically States that it has no Juvenile offender in any of its Custodial Centers which are exclusively designated to keep inmates aged 18 years and above.
“To set the records straight, the said inmate presented in the misleading report has been confirmed to be presently 19 years and 2 months old.
“He was remanded in the said Custodial Center for the offense of Armed Robbery by Chief Magistrate Court (CMC) Gyade-Gyade Kano on 26/January 2023 When he was 18 years and 6 months old”.
The statement continued, “The Command wishes to inform the public that in no circumstances does it admit minors into its Facilities as such classes of offenders are usually referred to either Bostal Training Institute or Remand Home Goron Dutse located in Kano.
“It is our duty always to Reform, Rehabilitate and Reintegrate offenders back into the Society by rebranding their lives to become productive and responsible citizens upon release. It is obvious that the said report is a tactic coined to evade and disrupt the course of Justice.
“Therefore, the command calls on reporters and Media persons to verify and confirm tentative reports before going to press.
“The Command Public Relation Officer is always available and should be contacted for Confirmation of report to avoid misleading the Public most especially on sensitive issues that pertain to National Security.
“The Command therefore enjoins the general public to disregard and discountenance the report as a figment of the imagination of the reporter.
“We are therefore calling on the general public to support the Command as we work towards protecting them and making the society safer,” the statement added.