Adeyemi Spends First Night at Kuje Without Family Visits, Source Says
No relative or close associate has come to see Adeniyi Adeyemi since he was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, a facility source has disclosed, 24 hours after a Federal High Court order sent him there.
The source, who asked not to be identified, told our correspondent that Adeyemi stayed awake through his first night behind bars and looked demoralised upon arrival at the facility.
The same source alleged that Adeyemi has turned down meals since being taken into custody, even though food was made available to him.
The source said: "Yes, you already know that is the tradition. We are surprised that, despite being said to be a prince, none of his family members or associates has visited him, not even with food. I want to believe that could be one of the reasons why he is downcast."
Adeyemi's remand came after he appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja and denied an eight-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. He was ordered held pending further proceedings in the matter.
According to the source, Adeyemi was admitted only after all required paperwork had been completed, and he was subsequently handled according to the standard process for new inmates. The source, however, would not say which security classification applies to him, stating that such information is not meant for public disclosure.
Communication difficulties also marked his first day in custody, the source indicated. Adeyemi was cut off from his usual channels of communication soon after he arrived at Kuje. Whether this step hindered his contact with his lawyers or relatives could not be established immediately.
It also remained unclear why nobody from his family or inner circle had shown up within the first 24 hours of his arrival.
Around the correctional facility, there was a visible security buildup, with soldiers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stationed in parts of the area. A direct link between the deployment and Adeyemi's remand could not be confirmed at once.
A second source at Kuje said custodial centres nationwide have been placed on heightened alert because of the current security climate. That source tied the increased security to arrangements for Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary, against a backdrop of wider security concerns in the country.
The first source maintained that the Kuje Custodial Centre is safe and that the presence of soldiers and other security operatives around the premises is not out of the ordinary.
Attention has been drawn to the case because of Adeyemi's stated position and the nature of the allegations in the charge.
As of the time this report was filed, the precise conditions of Adeyemi's custody, including his security classification and how much contact he has had with his legal team and family, had not been clarified.
Calls to Mr. Samson Duza, spokesperson for the Kuje Correctional Centre under the Federal Capital Territory Command, went unanswered, and he had not returned them by the time of filing. The claims made by the source could not be independently verified.
Adeyemi has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
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