The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed claims making the rounds about a bomb blast at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In an official statement dated Monday, 21st April 2025, and signed by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, the NCoS maintained that there was no security breach at the Maiduguri facility or any other custodial centre across the country.
“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to an online publication alleging a bomb explosion at the Maiduguri Custodial Centre. This information is completely untrue and misleading. The facility remains calm, and inmates are going about their rehabilitation activities without disruption. The general public is urged to disregard the fake news,” the statement read in part.
The clarification followed unconfirmed reports alleging that an explosion occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, 20th April, at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri. The incident was said to have caused a fire outbreak in the solitary confinement cell of Charles Okah, a high-profile inmate.
According to accounts from within the facility, an unknown object suspected to be an explosive device was allegedly thrown into Okah’s cell through the window, resulting in smoke and commotion in the area. Okah, who has reportedly been in solitary confinement since March 16, was said to have cried out for help amid the smoke.
Some reports also suggested that standard night procedures in custodial centres might have delayed immediate access to the cell due to protocol requirements.
The alleged explosion comes shortly after Charles Okah published an open letter addressed to the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi-Ojo, raising concerns about alleged corruption within the Maiduguri custodial system.
Okah is currently serving a life sentence for his involvement in the 1st October 2010 Independence Day bombing near Eagle Square, Abuja, and another bombing incident in Warri, Delta State, on 15th March 2010.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no independent confirmation of the alleged explosion, while authorities insist that the facility remains secure and under control.
