The Nigerian Correctional Service, Gombe State Command, has strongly refuted allegations that it obstructed members of the Take-It-Back Movement from visiting a detained state official. The statement, issued on Sunday, clarified that no such ban was enforced, dismissing claims circulating online.
Thomas Umar, aged 32, was remanded on April 10, 2025, at the Gombe Medium Security Custodial Centre following the directive of the Federal High Court, Gombe. Umar is being held on charges related to “insult, enmity, hatred, and ill-will,” as outlined under the Cybercrime Act 2015 (amended). The charges stem from an incident reportedly tied to a case filed by Ali Isa, the Minority Whip of the House of Representatives and representative for Billiri Balanga Federal Constituency.
In a statement signed by DSC Abdullahi Hamma on behalf of Salihu Abdullahi, the Controller of Corrections for the Gombe State Command, the Nigerian Correctional Service categorically denied that officials had blocked members of the Take-It-Back Movement from visiting Umar. Hamma criticized the online report alleging the ban as “false, unpatriotic and fabricated to tarnish the image of the Service.”
The statement explained that the detention centre had been following proper procedures. It noted that Umar had previously submitted an application through the Welfare Office, explicitly listing the names of authorised visitors. According to the application, only those whose names were included were to be granted access unless Umar provided his “humble consent” for additional visitors.
The Gombe State Command reiterated its commitment to the fundamental rights of every inmate. “The NCoS is committed to upholding justice and fairness in ensuring that all inmates in custody are being properly reformed, rehabilitated, and reintegrated at the expiration of their jail term,” Hamma affirmed. He also urged the media and the public to meticulously fact-check reports to avoid the dissemination of inaccuracies and misleading information.
As debates continue to spark online regarding the handling of inmates and the rights of detainees, the Correctional Service’s prompt response aims to restore public confidence in its operational integrity. Authorities stressed that the welfare and legal rights of inmates remain a top priority, highlighting ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and adherence to the law.
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