From HASSAN JIRGI, Maiduguri
Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, has dismissed rumours of a bomb explosion at the Maximum Custodial Centre in Maiduguri.
The authorities also dismissed rumours of the absence of night duty officers, confirming that personnel responded swiftly to contain the situation and ensured the safety of other inmates.
Credible source informed Zagazola Makama that contrary to circulating claims, there was no bomb blast at the facility on Sunday night.
Authorities of the prison confirmed that the fire in Okah’s cell was self-inflicted after he allegedly ignited his mattress using a box of matches in an attempt to cause panic within the facility.
“He lit up his bed and immediately began shouting from the window that there was fire.
“When officers arrived, we found the mattress burning and quickly extinguished the fire,” an official stated.
The official disclosed that no damage occurred to any part of the cell or prison.
According to him, following the incident, a search was conducted in the cell, during which a box of matches was recovered from Okah and he was immediately taken to the prison clinic for medical attention, and is recuperating.
“There is no evidence of any explosive device and there was no external breach or attack on the facility.
“If there had been a bomb blast in Okah’s cell, how come nothing happened to him? He was the one screaming that there was fire in his cell,” the official disclosed.
When asked how the inmate gained access to matches, the authorities explained that Okah was allowed to attend church service due to the Easter celebration, which might have provided him access to the matches he used to set his bed on fire.
He added that regarding the motive behind his actions, the authorities stated that Okah is a controversial inmate who frequently created trouble.
