The embattled former Commander, Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari, has reportedly settled into his new environment at the Nigerian Correctional Service after he was sent there on Monday.
Recall that Abba Kyari alongside his co-defendants – Sunday Ubia, Simon Agirgba, John Nuhu and another officer at large, who are former IRT members, are facing drug trafficking charges before an Abuja High Court.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had accused Kyari and the other four officers of conspiracy, obstruction and dealing in cocaine worth 17.55kg.
Ruling on a bail application filed by the defendants, the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwike, ordered the NDLEA to transfer them to prison custody, shortly after he denied them bail.
Reports have now emerged claiming that Abba Kyari has refused to eat any food prepared in Kuje prison.
According to The PUNCH, the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police is only eating food prepared by his wife or other family members.
Although Kyari and his co-defendants have been settling down in the custodial centre, the DCP has largely kept to himself since his arrival on Monday.
It was also gathered that some inmates are excited over the presence of Abba Kyari at the custodial centre.
“We suspected that he may not eat the food being served here. So, we were not surprised when he opted for the food prepared by his wife or family members,” an officer told The PUNCH.
“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.”
Also speaking on Abba Kyari’s refusal to eat any food from the centre, the NCoS spokesman, Francis Enobore, said it is within his rights to reject the food.
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.”
