Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has described the agency’s detention facility as one of the best in Nigeria, conforming with global standards.
Mr Olukoyede gave the assessment at a roundtable on “Access to Justice for Young People’, organised by the senior special assistant to the president on citizenship and leadership, Rinsola Abiola, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
The roundtable was held in partnership with the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF/LEAP Africa) and the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) to commemorate International Youth Day.
It was with the aim of highlighting and seeking solutions to challenges faced by young people from criminal justice administration in Nigeria.
“A suspect, upon arrival at the commission, is allowed access to his lawyer, family members and a doctor for those with a special medical case. Those without special health issues are allowed to freely access medical services from the staff clinic,” stated Mr Olukoyede. “Besides, quality meals are always sourced for suspects from the staff canteen.”
The EFCC boss added, “Many suspects have had cause to be remorseful and some even repent of their criminal activities even before prosecution.”
Mr Olukoyede explained that EFCC’s holding facilities offer comfort in tune with recommended global standards.
According to him, the fact that persons under prosecution frequently request to be remanded in the custody of the commission rather than in a custodial centre lends credence to this fact.
Meanwhile, Ms Abiola commended the EFCC’s efforts in the fight against corruption in the country.
The presidential aide said that the vintage services the commission was providing to suspects would be invaluable in evolving the needed reforms in the country’s criminal justice administration.
(NAN)
