The Nigerian Correctional Service has refuted claims of a bomb explosion at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MaSCC) in Maiduguri, describing the incident involving detainee Charles Okah as a deliberate act of arson aimed at causing panic within the facility.
An intelligence source told our correspondent on Monday that the fire outbreak, which occurred on Sunday night, was confined to Okah’s cell and was the result of a self-inflicted act. According to the source, Okah reportedly set his mattress on fire using a box of matches and then raised a false alarm.
“He lit his bed and started shouting through the window that there was a fire,” the official said. “When officers responded, they found the mattress burning and quickly extinguished it. There was no further damage to the cell or any other part of the prison.”
A subsequent search of the cell led to the recovery of a box of matches, which authorities believe Okah used to start the fire. He was promptly taken to the prison clinic for medical evaluation and is said to be recuperating. The damaged mattress has since been replaced.
The official maintained that there was no evidence of an explosive device or external attack on the facility. “If there had been a bomb blast, how come Okah was unhurt? He is still the one shouting that there was fire in his cell,” the source stated.
Authorities also dismissed reports suggesting the absence of night duty personnel, asserting that officers were on duty and responded promptly to the incident to prevent escalation and ensure the safety of other inmates.
Responding to inquiries on how Okah obtained the matches, the official explained that the detainee had been allowed to attend church service earlier in the day as part of Easter celebrations, which may have given him access to the items used.
The Correctional Service described Okah as a controversial inmate with a history of disruptive behaviour. He has been held at the Maiduguri custodial centre since March 16, 2025.
