IHRC commends DCC Richard Egbede for upholding human rights standards at Warri custodial centre

The International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has commended the Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) at the Warri Medium Security Custodial Centre, Mr. Richard Egbede, for his adherence to international human rights standards and his leadership in promoting humane, reform-driven correctional practices.

The commendation, published on the IHRC website, followed an independent monitoring mission conducted by the South-South Regional Coordinator of the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), Comrade Fidelis Onakpoma. The visit formed part of IHRC’s ongoing nationwide assessment of human rights compliance in custodial facilities.

According to the IHRC, the mission was conducted under the directive of Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Mission in Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, and supervised by the SMM National Coordinator, Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu. The organisation noted that the exercise aligns with its long-standing collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to strengthen human rights protection across the country.

During the inspection, the IHRC SMM Official for Delta State, Comrade Francis Uwa, praised DCC Egbede for maintaining a custodial environment anchored on dignity, fairness and rehabilitation. He stated that the Warri facility reflects how “correction and compassion can coexist in line with global standards,” adding that Egbede exemplifies integrity-driven leadership needed in correctional institutions nationwide.

Also speaking, the SMM National Coordinator, Engr. Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, said DCC Egbede’s conduct represents the type of transformation IHRC hopes to see replicated across the country. He noted that officers like Egbede demonstrate that correctional service extends beyond punishment to upholding humanity.

Ambassador Hezekiah, who endorsed the monitoring report, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service for fostering an environment that enables officers to uphold professionalism, compassion and accountability.

The IHRC also acknowledged the support of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and the Delta State Controller of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, as well as Mr. Raymond Nwagu, for strengthening transparency and rehabilitation-focused correctional administration.

Reaffirming its commitment to advancing human rights in custodial facilities, the IHRC announced plans to expand its monitoring missions under the Correctional Human Rights Strengthening Project (CHRSP), a flagship initiative aimed at promoting humane correctional practices and structural reforms.

The Warri monitoring mission, the organisation added, forms part of its long-term national effort to build a humane and rights-compliant correctional system.