Monday, April 21, 2025 - The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked reports of a bomb explosion at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MaSCC) in Maiduguri, clarifying that the fire incident involving inmate Charles Okah was self-inflicted and not an act of terrorism or external attack.
This clarification was contained in a post shared on Sunday
night by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, via his verified X handle.
According to the report, intelligence sources confirmed that
there was no bomb blast at the facility.
Instead, Charles Okah, a detainee known for his
controversial behavior, allegedly ignited his mattress using a box of matches
in a deliberate act to stir panic within the prison.
“He lit up his bed and immediately began shouting from the
window that there was a fire,” one official was quoted as saying.
“When officers arrived, we found the mattress burning and
quickly extinguished the fire.”
The fire was promptly contained, and no damage was recorded
beyond the mattress.
A search of the cell led to the recovery of a box of
matches, and Okah was taken to the prison clinic for medical care. He is
currently recuperating, and the burnt mattress has since been replaced.
“There is no evidence of any explosive device, and there was
no external breach or attack on the facility,” the official added.
“If there had been a bomb blast in Okah’s cell, how come
nothing happened to him? He is still the one screaming that there was a fire in
his cell.”
Authorities also dismissed rumors of negligence, stressing
that night duty officers were present and acted swiftly to control the
situation and protect other inmates.
When questioned about how the matches got into Okah’s possession, the
official explained that he was allowed to attend a church service earlier in
the day as part of the Easter observance, which may have provided an
opportunity to acquire them.
Charles Okah has been held at the Maiduguri custodial facility since March
16, 2025.
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