Two Inmates Die in Uyo Custodial Centre After Transformer Explosion

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Akwa Ibom State Command, has confirmed the death of two awaiting-trial inmates following an electrical surge caused by a faulty transformer at the Uyo Custodial Centre.

According to the State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, the tragic incident occurred two weeks ago when a nearby transformer exploded, sending a high-voltage wire crashing into the facility and plunging the area into darkness.

Okonkwo, who briefed journalists from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Uyo, said the explosion left two inmates dead, two staff members injured, and several electrical appliances destroyed.

“It was very unfortunate because the incident caused significant damage both to our facility and to the families of the deceased,” Okonkwo said. “The surge destroyed all our electrical appliances, including computers, and affected staff residences.”

He explained that the deceased inmates—one awaiting trial for conspiracy and kidnapping, and the other for armed robbery—were thrown from their positions during the blast. Despite receiving first aid and being rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, they were later confirmed dead.

Okonkwo stressed that although the victims were awaiting trial for serious offences, they remained presumed innocent until proven guilty. He described the incident as “deeply regrettable” and revealed that the families of the deceased had been notified. One family has already begun the process to reclaim the remains, though release will only occur after investigations conclude.

Officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) reportedly traced the incident to excessive voltage from the faulty transformer — the same transformer that had developed issues in the past without casualties. Okonkwo appealed to relevant authorities to intervene urgently to prevent future occurrences.

The controller also announced plans to launch a rehabilitation and empowerment programme for inmates who have completed vocational training in custody.

“We are targeting 30 inmates initially, depending on available funding and donor support,” he said. “Beneficiaries will come from custodial centres in Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket, and will receive start-up kits in trades such as tailoring, carpentry, barbering, and welding.”

He added that the initiative is gender-inclusive, with female inmates also trained in weaving, pastry-making, and other trades, as part of efforts to ensure effective reintegration and reduce reoffending.