Nigeria's suspended police boss in prison custody refuses to eat food meant for inmates

He was remanded in prison custody on Monday, March 28 in connection with his ongoing trial of him and four others for drug trafficking.

He was transferred to Kuje prison on the order of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja after his bail application was denied.

According to Legit.ng, the court held that the NDLEA placed sufficient materials before it to warrant the refusal of bail to Kyari and his co-defendants, namely; Sunday Ubia, Simon Agirgba, and John Nuhu, who are former IRT members.

It is reported that Abba Kyari has been isolating himself from other inmates and has rejected food for them by the prison authorities.

A prison officer is quoted as saying the police former police boss has insisted that he would only eat his wife’s food.

"We suspected that he may not eat the food being served here. So, we were not surprised when he opted for the food prepared by his wife or family members.

"His presence has, however, generated excitement in the facility. Many inmates who had had some encounters with him and others who heard about his ongoing trial have been discussing the fact that a senior policeman like him was remanded in Kuje where some individuals he investigated are also serving time," the unnamed prison officer is quoted as having said.

Meanwhile, spokesman for NCoS, Francis Enobore said prison inmates who are standing trial are at liberty to eat food provided by their families.

"Our law allows us to request any inmate who wishes to do self-feeding to apply through a formal application to the officer in-charge of the custodial centre. Subject to the approval of the official in-charge, the applicant will make arrangements with whoever he wishes to bring food for him.

"The caveat is that if the person fails to bring food, he would not be fed from the service’s kitchen. Again, whoever is bringing his food; it is compulsory the person tastes the food in the presence of the officer conducting the visit to ensure that the food is wholesome before passing it over to the inmate."

Legit.ng reports Senator Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker, as saying that Abba Kyari should be kept in a separate cell to avoid beatings by other inmates.