Controversy surrounds alleged release of 101 B'Haram terrorists

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As many as 101 suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly been released from Kirikiri Medium Security Prison, Lagos State.

According to an online platform, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, guards at the facility let them out as part of a swap deal for the release of travelers who were abducted in Kaduna on March 28.

The source said the released suspects had been awaiting trial since 2009, adding that they knew about Kuje's escape before it happened.

“They secretly released 101 Boko Haram suspects around 6am. Negotiations had been going on for several months. We used to pray together. During the prayers, they spoke Hausa, and they told me that they would return home in October.

“Early yesterday (Saturday) morning, they owned the cell door and called them. They had already returned their properties. I used to talk with an Adamu in cell G3. He is no longer here. He is tall and thin and has a long face.

"They told me that their release was based on negotiations and the pressure their sponsors put on Buhari. They felt that if they were not released before a new president, who may not be their tribesman, takes the seat, they may not be granted amnesty,” the source said.

A prison official, however, denied this claim.

The source said efforts are underway to release the suspects due to their unlawful detention without trial.

“A legal procedure is underway for the detainees to be released as they have been detained since 2009 without trial. This process has not been completed to my knowledge for the detainees to be released,” he added.

Efforts to speak to the Nigerian Correctional Service about this have proven unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.