The Nigeria Correctional Service has cleared its officer, Usman Magaji, who shot Ibrahim Yahaya, leading to the civil unrest and mob action at Wuse Market in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, Josephine Adeh, explained that Yahaya, who had been convicted by a mobile court in Federal Capital Territory, was being transported to prison when he tried to escape and was subsequently shot by Magaji.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that Ibrahim Yahaya, 27, was apprehended by Abuja Environmental Protection Board Task Force and taken to a mobile court in Wuse Market, where he was found guilty.
“Yahaya and other suspects were en route to the prison when he jumped from the vehicle and attempted to flee. Two armed correctional officers pursued him and he was shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” she said.
In response, protesters attacked a police station and set some cars on fire at Wuse Market in Abuja.
In a statement obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday, the spokesperson NCoS FCT Command, Adamu Duza, described the incident as unfortunate.
Duza, however, emphasized that the officer acted within the confines of the law to prevent the inmate from escaping.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Correctional Service extends condolences to the family of the deceased inmate who was shot by an armed squad personnel on Tuesday, 12th March, 2024, at Wuse in Abuja, FCT.
“The incident that caused chaos in Wuse, FCT, is regrettable. However, it is important to note that the officer acted within the confines of the law to prevent the inmate from escaping.
“Section 20 of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019 authorizes correctional officers to use firearms to stop an escaping inmate. Unfortunately, in the process of stopping the escapee, he lost his life.
He expressed sympathy for those who suffered losses due to the incident at Wuse Market.
The spokesperson assured, “The Nigerian Correctional Service assures the public of the safe and secure custody of all legally detained individuals, as well as humane treatment of all inmates in its custody.
“The Service sympathizes with all those who suffered losses during the ensuing chaos.”
