TheCable

The Nigerian Correctional Centre (NCS) says there is no case of COVID-19 infection in its facilities in Kaduna.

Daniel Wadai, spokesperson of the NCS in Kaduna, disclosed this on Saturday, in a statement issued by Francis Enobore, service public relations officer (SPRO).

TheCable had reported that Mohammed, son of Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), said his mother had tested positive for COVID-19 at the Kaduna correctional centre.

El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, have been in detention since 2015 after some of his followers clashed with soldiers in Zaria, Kaduna.

The IMN leader is standing trial over allegations of culpable homicide, unlawful assembly, disruption of public peace, among other charges.

IMN had also called on the federal government to immediately release their leader and his wife from custody, so that they can receive treatment.

But Wadai said there is no report of COVID-19 infection in any of the Kaduna correctional centres.

“The attention of the NCoS, Kaduna State Command, has been drawn to a news item being circulated by some mischief makers alleging that an inmate in one of the custodial centres in the state has contracted COVID-19,” he said.

“This is not true. None of the inmates has contracted the virus.”

He added that the command would continue to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocol in its facilities.