FAULTY TRANSFORMER EXPLOSION KILLS TWO AWAITING-TRIAL INMATES AT AKWA IBOM CUSTODIAL CENTRE
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An explosion caused by a faulty transformer near the Akwa Ibom State Custodial Centre has claimed the lives of two inmates awaiting trial and injured two others, officials confirmed.
The incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, reportedly caused a blackout throughout the facility and damaged electrical appliances. According to reports, a high-voltage wire snapped and fell directly onto a portion of the custodial centre, leading to the electrocution of the inmates.
Frank Okonkwo, Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, described the incident as “very unfortunate,” noting that the victims were thrown from where they were sitting and were rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
Okonkwo confirmed that the deceased were awaiting trial — one for conspiracy and kidnapping, the other for armed robbery — and emphasized that they were presumed innocent until proven guilty by the courts. Families of the victims have been contacted, and one has completed arrangements for the retrieval of the body, pending the conclusion of investigations.
The controller said the explosion also destroyed computers, electrical appliances, and even affected the official residence of the officer in charge. He recalled that the transformer had been faulty several years ago and called on relevant authorities to address the issue to prevent a recurrence.
“Our medical personnel administered first aid immediately and rushed the victims to the hospital, but sadly they were later confirmed dead. It was a big loss, both to themselves and the inmates, especially as they were just awaiting trial,” Okonkwo said.
The legal department is investigating the incident and will present a comprehensive report. Meanwhile, Okonkwo disclosed plans to organise a rehabilitation and empowerment programme for inmates who have completed their rehabilitation. Beneficiaries will receive start-up packs to help them reintegrate into society, reducing the risk of reoffending.
The programme will initially support 30 inmates from Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket custodial centres, focusing on skills such as tailoring, carpentry, barbing, and welding.
The Akwa Ibom State Custodial Centre, located in Uyo, is a medium-security facility under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which has faced challenges including infrastructure decay, poor power supply, and overcrowding.
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