Some officers at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory have reportedly raised concerns over what they describe as an unprecedented tightening of security around the facility following the remand of activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.
Sources within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) disclosed that security measures at the prison have been significantly reinforced since Sowore was brought to the custodial centre, with additional armed personnel allegedly deployed and access to the facility subjected to stricter controls.
The heightened security has coincided with a steady stream of visits by Sowore’s lawyers, political associates, family members, supporters and human rights advocates, many of whom have continued to demand his release and condemn his detention.
Some prison personnel, speaking anonymously, questioned the scale of the security operation, insisting that the extraordinary measures are unlike anything previously witnessed at the facility.
“When they brought about 500 terrorists here, they didn’t militarise this facility the way they have done because of Mr. Omoyele Sowore,” one officer alleged, expressing frustration over what he described as an excessive security response.
According to the sources, the increased deployment has altered routine operations within the correctional centre and imposed additional burdens on officers already grappling with the demands of daily prison administration.
The officials further claimed that authorities have adjusted the facility’s visitation schedule, with visiting hours now reportedly ending around 1:30 p.m., compared to the previous closing time of approximately 2:30 p.m.
The development, they said, has affected not only individuals seeking access to Sowore but also relatives, legal representatives and associates of other inmates housed within the custodial facility.
Several officers reportedly lamented that the intensified security arrangements have disrupted normal procedures, increased workloads and heightened tension among personnel responsible for maintaining order within the prison.
Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in the 2019 and 2023 elections and a declared aspirant for the 2027 presidential contest, is currently being held at the Kuje Correctional Centre following an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja pending further proceedings in his case.
His detention has continued to attract criticism from civil society groups, legal practitioners, political allies and human rights organisations, many of whom have described the charges against him as politically motivated and called for his immediate release.
The court ordered Sowore’s remand after dismissing his application seeking the recusal of Justice Mohammed Umar from the ongoing trial.
The activist is facing charges instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over public remarks in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Earlier in the month, Sowore renewed his demand that Justice Umar withdraw from the matter, alleging bias and unfair treatment during the proceedings. He also disclosed that he was compelled to represent himself after members of his legal team declined to continue appearing before the judge over what they described as persistent maltreatment.
In a statement issued after one of the court sittings, Sowore maintained that he personally moved a fresh application asking the judge to recuse himself from the case. The application was, however, dismissed, with the court directing that the trial should proceed.
As public attention surrounding the case intensifies, concerns within the Kuje Correctional Centre continue to mount over the implications of the extraordinary security measures and their impact on the day-to-day administration of one of Nigeria’s most prominent custodial facilities.