No explosion in Maiduguri Prison- Authorities

BY: NEWS DESK

The Nigerian Correctional Service has refuted reports of a bomb explosion at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri, saying that the incident involving prisoner Charles Okah was a false alarm.

Intelligence sources told the international News Syndicate that there was no bomb blast at the facility on Sunday night, despite what the media was saying. It was confirmed by authorities that Okah's fire in his cell was caused by him igniting his mattress with a box of matches in an attempt to cause panic within the facility.

"He lit up his bed and immediately began shouting from the window", according to an official.

After officers arrived, "we noticed that the mattress was burning and quickly extinguished the fire". There were no further injuries in the cell or prison.

After the incident, a search was carried out in the cell, which resulted in the recovery of a box of matches from Okah. 

He was immediately taken to the prison clinic for medical attention and is now recovering. The damaged mattress has been replaced.

The mattress that was damaged has undergone replacement.

According to the official, there was no evidence of an explosive device and no external breach or attack on the facility.

"Why didn't anything happen to Okah in the event of a bomb blast in his cell?

"The fact that there was a fire in his cell is still being shouted by him".

The authorities dismissed claims that night-duty officers were absent, stating that staff responded quickly to control the situation and ensure the safety of other inmates.

The authorities explained that Okah may have obtained the matches used to set his bed on fire by attending church service due to the Easter celebration when asked how he got them.

The authorities stated that Okah is a controversial inmate who frequently causes trouble and problems, which is the reason for his actions.