NCoS Clarifies Maiduguri Bomb Explosion Report
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly denied claims of a bomb explosion at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, describing the reports as “false and misleading.”
In a statement issued by Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, the NCoS clarified that there was no security breach at the Maiduguri facility or at 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 at the Maiduguri Custodial Centre.
This report is not true and is highly misleading. The situation at the custodial centre remains calm and stable, with inmates continuing their rehabilitation programmes without disruption. The fake report should be disregarded,” the statement read.
The denial comes in response to earlier reports not from THECONSCIENCE NG that an explosion occurred at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
According to unverified accounts, the blast allegedly caused a fire in the solitary confinement cell of Charles Okah, a high-profile inmate serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 2010 Independence Day bombing near Eagle Square, Abuja, and a separate bombing in Warri, Delta State.
Eyewitnesses from within the facility claimed an object, possibly an explosive device, was thrown into Okah’s cell through the window bars. Smoke was reportedly seen rising from the area, with Okah allegedly heard coughing and calling for help.
Further reports suggested that due to strict nighttime security protocols, opening a solitary confinement cell could be delayed, potentially affecting emergency response time.
The incident gained added attention following an open letter written by Okah to Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in which he alleged widespread corruption within the Maiduguri custodial system.
As of press time, no independent verification of the explosion has been confirmed. Authorities continue to insist that the custodial centre remains secure and that all rehabilitation programmes are ongoing without disruption.
