The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the establishment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate allegations of starvation and sodomization, among other human rights abuses of Gorondutse Correctional facility inmates in Kano.

NBA Kano Chairman, Barr. Usman Umar Fari made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday in Kano.

Recall that an ex-inmate, Shehu Adamu, last week alleged that inmates at the correctional facilities in Kano are subjected to inhuman treatment such as starvation, hunger and sodomization.

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However, the correctional facility swiftly denied these allegations, faulting most of the ex-inmate’s claims in their entirety.

SolaceBase reports that the Kano NBA boss, in the statement, said the allegations and the denial call for serious concern to ensure transparency on the issues.

The statement read, ‘’ Our attention has been drawn to a viral interview conducted by an individual named Shehu Adamu, who claims to be detained at Gorondutse Correctional Facility for some years and has made serious allegations regarding the conditions within the facility. According to his account, inmates are subjected to hunger and starvation, which he asserts have led younger inmates to succumb to acts of sodomy as a desperate means of survival. He further urges the relevant authorities to verify these claims.

‘’In response, the spokesperson of the correctional facility has denied the allegations in their entirety. He also asserted that, owing to the efficient administration of justice in Kano State, no inmate is being detained for more than two years without trial.

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According to the statement, given the gravity of these allegations and the assertions made by the correctional facility, an impartial and thorough investigation must be conducted. Specifically, inquiries should focus on the following issues: the veracity of the allegations concerning sodomy and abuse, the adequacy of food and nutrition provided to inmates, conditions related to starvation and malnutrition and the length of detention periods and compliance with legal standards.

‘’We believe that these serious issues warrant urgent and transparent investigation rather than mere counter-statements. It is essential for the government to act decisively to uphold human rights, justice, and the integrity of the correctional system.

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‘’Therefore, considering that the establishment and management of prisons fall under the concurrent legislative list, and that a significant proportion of inmates are detained for allegedly violating laws enacted by the Kano State House of Assembly we call upon the Government of Kano State to establish a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate these allegations. Such a commission should have the authority to examine the conditions within Gorondutse Correctional Facility, assess compliance with legal and human rights standards, and recommend corrective measures in the event of non-compliance.  This investigation is both timely and necessary.

‘’ The welfare and rights of inmates, as well as the integrity of the justice system, depend on our collective commitment to transparency and accountability. We appeal to the government to prioritise this matter and take the necessary steps to verify the allegations through an independent investigation.