The National Human Rights Commission has expressed concerns over increasing cases of jailbreaks in Nigeria.
The chairman of the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, told a press conference that the jail breaks were becoming too frequent and worrisome.
Professor Odinkalu addressed the reporters in Abuja shortly after a meeting of the council of the commission on Friday.
“The attacks have become worrisome, as the rights of innocent Nigerians who work at the various prisons are being violated,” he said.
There have been jailbreaks in Niger State, Kogi State and Ekiti State within the last three months. The breaks were all as a result of external attacks believed to have been carried out by members of the Boko Haram sect, a terrorist group with its strong hold in the north-east.
On December 5, President Goodluck Jonathan removed the Comptroller General of Prisons, Aminu Suley, and replaced him with Dr Peter Ezenwa Ekpendu.
Mr Suley’s removal on Friday came days after a prison was attacked in Ekiti State, by gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram.
More than 400 inmates were set free in the attack.
At the Friday meeting of the council, the members also expressed concerns about the attacks on judges in Ekiti and Ebonyi States and the continued closure of courts in Rivers State.
Professor Chidi further said the development would further prolong the incarceration of awaiting trial inmates.