Man smuggles cannabis into Abuja prison, gets arrested

The Nigerian Prison Service, Federal Capital Territory Command, has arrested a man, Clement Jacob, for allegedly smuggling hard drugs to give an inmate of the Kuje Medium Security Prison, TOPNAIJA.NG reports.

Jacob, who lives in the Dei-Dei area of Abuja, was arrested for smuggling into the prison a substance suspected to be cannabis in his sandal.

The hemp was meant to be delivered to an inmate of the prison, identified as Emeka Onyejikacki.

The prison service said in a statement on Tuesday that Onyejikacki was in the prison for possession of hard drugs.

The Command Public Relations Officer, NPS, Chukwuedo Humphrey, said Jacob was arrested by one Inspector Hussain Ibrahim, who noticed the exchange of sandals between him and Onyejikacki and conducted a search on the suspect.

Humphrey noted that the FCT Controller of Prisons, Mustapha Atta, advised members of the public and family members of inmates to ensure that inmates were properly reformed and rehabilitated.

He said, “Our officers have apprehended one Clement Jacob for attempting to smuggle a substance suspected to be Indian hemp into the prison facility. The substance was to be delivered to Onyejikacki, an inmate of the Kuje Prison.

“Jacob ran out of luck when he exchanged his sandals with those of the inmate after his session of prison visit. Inspector Hussain Ibrahim, the officer in charge of the visit area, noticed the quick exchange of footwear and requested another search after the visiting session was over.

“During the search, Hussain carefully tore open the sole of the sandals, thereby exposing the illegal transaction. Upon interrogation, Jacob, who initially feigned ignorance, divulged that one Mrs Emeka had called him to assist her in paying Mr Emeka a visit.

“He was also instructed to exchange his footwear with the inmate before leaving the premises.”