Jubilation in Kuje Prison as Abba Kyari rejects prison food

DCP Abba Kyari, the beleaguered former Commander of the Intelligence Response Team, has allegedly adjusted to his new surroundings in the Nigerian Correctional Service, where he was transferred on Monday.

Remember that Abba Kyari, together with his co-defendants — former IRT members Sunday Ubia, Simon Agirgba, John Nuhu, and another officer at large – are facing narcotics trafficking charges in an Abuja High Court.

Kyari and the other four cops were charged with conspiracy, obstruction, and selling in cocaine worth 17.55 kilograms by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwike, refused the defendants’ bail plea and ordered the NDLEA to transfer them to jail custody immediately after denying them bail.

The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police is only consuming meals made by his wife or other family members, according to reports.

Since his arrival on Monday, the DCP has generally kept to himself, despite Kyari and his co-defendants settling in to the correctional centre.

It was also learned that the presence of Abba Kyari in the detention center has piqued the interest of several convicts.

“We had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to consume the meals here.” So it came as no surprise to us when he chose food provided by his wife or family members,” an officer told Newsmen.

“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.”

He stated, “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.”