The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Kano State has arrested two young men for allegedly attempting to smuggle illicit drugs to inmates at the Nomansland Court Complex in Kano.
The suspects, identified as Usman Khalid (25) and Bello Musa Ahmed (24), are both residents of the Tsamiya (Brigade) area of the state. They were reportedly caught while trying to pass Indian hemp and other prohibited substances to inmates who had been brought to court.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Command of the NCoS, CSC Musbahu Lawan K-Nassarawa.
According to the statement, officers attached to the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Goron Dutse, intercepted the suspects after noticing their suspicious movements within the court premises.
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“The officers observed the suspects acting suspiciously and stopped them as they attempted to throw the banned substances to inmates brought to court,” K-Nassarawa said.
He warned members of the public against intermingling with inmates, particularly during their transportation to and from court, noting that such actions constitute a serious security breach and are punishable under the law.
“The Command warns the public against intermingling with inmates, especially during transportation to and from court, as it poses a serious security risk,” he added.
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K-Nassarawa stressed that the Nigerian Correctional Service remains committed to the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates and will not tolerate any act capable of undermining that mandate.
He further disclosed that the Controller of Corrections in Kano State, Ado Inuwa, has directed that the suspects, along with the seized substances, be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to maintaining maximum security and a zero-tolerance policy for drug-related activities within custodial facilities and court premises across Kano State,” the statement read.
The NCoS also urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to help sustain law, order, and safety within the state.