Kuje Prison in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, is under attack as armed Prisons Officials are said to be shooting indiscriminately.
The shooting, Prompt News Online gathered was prompted by a riot by inmates.
Some high profile suspects including Charles Okah are being kept in the prison and their lives now appear to be in danger.
Confirming this in a statement on Monday, Solicitors to Okah, First Law Solicitors, said firing of gun-shots violate the fundamental rights of the inmates hence, may seek redress for the breach.
As at press time, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Prisons Service could not be reached for comment.
The statement reads:
“We are Solicitors to CHARLES TONBRAH OKAH, in particular, and the entire inmates of Kuje Medium Security Prison in Abuja (whom we shall hereinafter, collectively refer to as “our clients”)
“It is our clients’ brief that Kuje Prison is currently under attack from members of the Nigerian Prisons Service Armed Squad who are indiscriminately firing gun-shots and tear gas into the air.
“This has created pandemonium and violated the fundamental rights of the inmates, particularly, Mr. Charles Okah who has a known medical history which is incompatible with tear gas, gunshots, etc.
“We are, by virtue of this notice to Nigerians and the international community, particularly, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL and GLOBAL WITNESS, making it clear that the Nigerian Prisons Service is already in breach of the fundamental rights of the inmates of Kuje Prison.
“Our clients therefore reserve the right to sue and seek redress for the breach.”
Yours faithfully,
FOR: FIRST LAW SOLICITORS (Legal Practitioners)
SIGNED:
TIMIPA JENKINS OKPONIPERE, ESQ.
