The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked reports circulating on some media platforms (not NEWSNGR) regarding the status and release of two former inmates, Matthew Nwakeme and Solomon Okwundu, describing the claims as “false and misleading.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar, clarified that the two individuals were duly charged before the Owerri Magistrate Court on April 10 for robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to Umar, both men were legally held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Owerri, as awaiting trial inmates in line with valid court warrants.
He explained that the inmates were subsequently released on July 1, after they met all court-imposed bail conditions.
“The duo were held in custody based on the warrants issued against them and were released on bail after fulfilling all the necessary conditions as directed by the court,” he said.
Umar quoted the Controller General of the NCoS, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche, as reaffirming the Service’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining transparency in its operations.
“The Controller General reiterates that the Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to strengthening its operational guidelines and ensuring strict compliance with court orders,” the statement read.
The Service also cautioned the public against believing unverified information circulating online, particularly video reports that misrepresented the facts surrounding the case.
“We urge members of the public to disregard the misleading video reports as they are inaccurate,” Umar stated, adding that the Service remains dedicated to justice, transparency, and due process in the administration of the criminal justice system.
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