The Nigerian Prisons Service has launched a probe into the fire incident that engulfed the Kuje Medium Prisons on Friday. News of the probe came as a group called Prisoners Against Injustice in Nigeria (PAIN) had claimed responsibility for the fire.

Disclosing the probe, NPS FCT PRO, Humphrey Chukwuedo said in a statement issued last night: “Minor fire was detected in Kuje Medium Security Prison hospital at about 4.30pm.and was immediately put out by security personnel manning the beat.

No one was hurt as neither the medical staff nor inmates were around the building as at the time of the incident.

“Although the cause of the fire is not immediately known, it is suspected that the smoke may have emanated from faulty electrical equipment stored in an adjoining building. The equipment were used for teaching inmates handworks. Detailed investigation has however commenced as instructed by the controller of prisons FCT command, SN Nwakuche mni.

“The prison yard is calm and peaceful and everyone are going about their various duties.”

Earlier yesterday, PAIN claimed responsibility for the fire via a handwritten statement posted on the prison notice board before it was hurriedly removed by the prison authorities. PAIN said the attack was meant to draw the attention of the world to the pathetic state of prisons and corruption within prison services. “Corrupt politicians who have looted the treasury only spend a few days in prison and are given special treatment while the poor man who stole a mobile phone is awaiting trial for years without bail. While corrupt judges have never stepped their foot into the cells as inmates, their trials are speedy and they have not been made to face the same fate they have subjected so many others too,” the group had stated.

•Additional reports by Saturday Vanguard.

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