The Controller of Prisons in the Federal Capital Territory, Daniel Odahro, has explained what led to the riot at the Kuje Medium Security Prison on Monday morning.

He confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that “There was a minor riot at the Kuje Prison, but the situation has been brought under control,”.

Odahro explained that a ‘’disagreement’’ ensued at about 10.30 a.m., on Monday, when some inmates resisted the routine search in their cells.

He dismissed claims that inmates were shot in the melee, and insisted that the situation had been completely taken care of.

“There was nothing like an attempted jail break, yes we had a minor disagreement between prison officials and some inmates, who refused the routine morning search in their cells,

“I can categorically tell you that no inmate escaped and the situation has been brought under control, ’’he said.

The prison boss said that security had been beefed up in and around the prison to forestall a recurrence of a jailbreak that occurred in the facility not long ago.

Okah’s Lawyers Raise Alarm

Meanwhile, lawyers of Charles Okah, the suspect accused of masterminding the October 1, 2011 bombing in Abuja, have alleged threat to their client’s life.

This followed the incident at the Kuje Prison, where Okah is currently under custody.

In a statement, Okah’s counsels insisted that the incidence was just a ploy to snuff the life out of their client.

“We are solicitors to CHARLES TONBRAH OKAH, in particular, and the entire inmates of Kuje Medium Security Prison in Abuja (whom we shall hereinafter, collectively refer to as “our clients”),” the statement read.

“It is our clients’ brief that Kuje Prison is currently under attack from members of the Nigerian Prisons Service armed squad who are indiscriminately firing gun shots and tear gas into the air.

“This has created pandemonium and violated the fundamental rights of the inmates, particularly, Mr. Charles Okah who has a known medical history which is incompatible with tear gas, gunshots, etc.

“We are, by virtue of this notice to Nigerians and the international community, particularly, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL and GLOBAL WITNESS, making it clear that the Nigerian Prisons Service is already in breach of the fundamental rights of the inmates of Kuje Prison.

“Our clients therefore reserve the right to sue and seek redress for the breach.”