During the hearing, some of the minors reportedly fainted in court before Justice Obiora Egwuatu. After presenting the case, Justice Egwuatu granted bail to 67 out of the 76 minors, setting bail at ₦10 million each.
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The judge directed that juvenile defendants be held in borstal facilities, while adults were to be remanded in regular cells until their bail conditions were met.
Reports had surfaced alleging that the Kuje facility did not have borstal accommodations, sparking concerns over the minors’ detention conditions.
However, in a statement on Saturday, NCoS spokesman Umar Abubakar clarified that these claims were inaccurate.
He emphasized that the NCoS strictly follows regulations under the Nigerian Correctional Service Act 2019, which prohibits housing juveniles in adult facilities.
He also noted that facility superintendents are empowered to refuse new intakes if a facility is at capacity.
Assuring the public, Abubakar stated that none of the juvenile defendants were placed in adult cells and urged the public to disregard any misinformation on the matter.
He reiterated the NCoS’s commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights.
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