Officials of Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja have denied some senators access to their colleague, Ali Ndume, who was remanded on Tuesday for failing to produce the former chairman of the Presidential Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, whom he stood surety for.
The senator representing Borno South in the Senate is currently in Kuje prisons after Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja ordered his remand, following Maina’s failure to appear to face trial over an alleged N2 billion pension funds fraud.
Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo (PDP, Adamawa) and Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (APC, Kebbi) had gone to see Ndume at the facility, but could not make a headway. Abbo was heard telling Na’allah that officials of the correctional centre required approval of their controller to allow access to Ndume.
Abbo left without seeing Ndume but Na’allah was allowed entry into the facility. He was seen entering the office of Mr. G.U Ochepa, the officer in charge of the prison.
“There is a temporary suspension of visit to the facility because of COVID-19. It is not a punishment to the lawmaker. Only lawyers and his wives are supposed to be allowed to see him.” Ochepa told Na’allah.
It’s currently unclear how long Ndume will be at the correctional facility.
