Maiduguri Correctional Centre Fire Sparks False Bomb Blast Rumors — Official
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed circulating social media reports alleging a bomb explosion at the Maiduguri Maximum Security Custodial Centre, clarifying that no Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonation occurred at the facility.
In a statement made available to Northeast Star Magazine on Monday, intelligence sources revealed that the commotion on Sunday night was caused by a disruptive inmate, Charles Okah, who deliberately ignited his mattress in a calculated attempt to trigger panic.
“Okah set his bed on fire and immediately began shouting through the window, likely to raise alarm among inmates and staff,” a senior NCoS official disclosed.
Prison officers responded swiftly, extinguishing the fire before it could spread. Fortunately, no injuries were recorded, and all inmates, including Okah, were accounted for. A subsequent search of the cell uncovered a box of matches believed to have been smuggled in during an Easter church service.
Okah, who suffered minor burns during the incident, was promptly taken to the prison clinic for treatment and is currently recovering. The prison authorities further described him as a “habitually troublesome inmate” with a record of disruptive behavior, including previous acts of arson within his cell.
The NCoS reiterated that the situation was fully under control and urged the public to disregard misinformation being spread online. “There was no explosion of any kind. The facility remains secure and operational,” the official stressed.
Authorities assured continued vigilance and strengthened internal monitoring to prevent future disturbances within the facility.
