The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has debunked reports of a bomb explosion at the Maximum Security Custodial Centre (MaSCC) in Maiduguri, clarifying that the fire incident involving inmate Charles Okah was self-inflicted and not an act of terrorism or external attack.
This clarification was contained in a post shared on Sunday night by security analyst, Zagazola Makama, via his verified X handle.
According to the report, intelligence sources confirmed that there was no bomb blast at the facility.
Instead, Charles Okah, a detainee known for his controversial behavior, allegedly ignited his mattress using a box of matches in a deliberate act to stir panic within the prison.
“He lit up his bed and immediately began shouting from the window that there was a fire,”; one official was quoted as saying.
“When officers arrived, we found the mattress burning and quickly extinguished the fire.”;
The fire was promptly contained, and no damage was recorded beyond the mattress.
A search of the cell led to the recovery of a box of matches, and Okah was taken to the prison clinic for medical care. He is currently recuperating, and the burnt mattress has since been replaced.
“There is no evidence of any explosive device, and there was no external breach or attack on the facility,”; the official added.
“If there had been a bomb blast in Okah’s cell, how come nothing happened to him? He is still the one screaming that there was a fire in his cell.”;
Authorities also dismissed rumors of negligence, stressing that night duty officers were present and acted swiftly to control the situation and protect other inmates.
When questioned about how the matches got into Okah’s possession, the official explained that he was allowed to attend a church service earlier in the day as part of the Easter observance, which may have provided an opportunity to acquire them.
Charles Okah has been held at the Maiduguri custodial facility since March 16, 2025.
