The Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Prisons Service, has pledged commitment to the welfare of the prisoners and provision of free access to friends and relatives of the inmates.

The State Controller of Prisons, Mr Timothy Tinuoye, gave the assurance in a statement by ASP Juliet Ofoni, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.

The command was reacting to an allegation that staff of the service extorted money from inmates’ relatives.

It stated that visit to inmates “is free at all times” as boldly indicated at the strategic points of the prison yard.

It also stated that official phone lines were provided for complaints to prisons headquarters.

“No visitor has, however, made any complaints of extortion to the officer in charge of the prison or the Controller of Prisons, Rivers Command. Inmates welfare is paramount to the service as such visit from inmates’ friends and relatives are encouraged to foster their relationship,” the command stated.

It also advised that while investigations were ongoing to determine the veracity of the allegations, members of the public could use the platform provided for lodging complaints where necessary. (NAN)