The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has refuted reports of an alleged bomb explosion at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, describing the claim as “false and misleading.”
In a statement dated 21st April 2025, signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, the NCoS clarified that there was no security breach at the facility or any other custodial centre across the country.
“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to an online report of a purported bomb explosion in Maiduguri Custodial Centre.
“This report is not true and is highly misleading, as the situation at the custodial centre remains calm and stable. Inmates are continuing their rehabilitation programmes without disruption. The fake report should be disregarded,” the statement read.
The NCoS’s rebuttal follows earlier reports, not from Channels Television, that an explosion occurred at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, 20th April, 2025.
The blast was said to have sparked a fire in the solitary confinement cell of Charles Okah, a high-profile inmate.
Accounts from within the facility had alleged that an object, possibly an explosive device, was thrown into Okah’s cell through the window bars, with smoke reportedly seen rising from the area shortly afterwards.
Okah, who has been in solitary confinement since 16th March 2025, was allegedly heard coughing and shouting for help as the cell filled with smoke.
Further reports pointed out that due to strict prison procedures, it would take time and approvals to open a cell at night, potentially delaying rescue efforts.
The incident rebuttal comes shortly after Okah authored an open letter to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi-Ojo, alleging systemic corruption within the Maiduguri custodial centres.
Okah is currently serving a life sentence over his role in the 1st October 2010 Independence Day bombing near Eagle Square, Abuja, and a separate bombing in Warri, Delta State, on 15 March 2010.
As of press time, no independent verification of the explosion has been made, and authorities maintain that the facility remains secure.
