NIGERIA: A/S KRAMER AND DAS KRILLA MEET MINISTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 001848 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W, INR/AA DOE FOR GEORGE PERSON E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2018 TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV CASC NI AF SUBJECT: NIGERIA: A/S KRAMER AND DAS KRILLA MEET MINISTER OF INTERIOR Classified By: Charge' d'Affaires Walter Pflaumer for reasons 1.4. (b & d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: During a September 8-9 visit to Abuja, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, David J. Kramer and DAS Jeffrey Krilla met with Minister of Interior Major-General Godwin Abbe to discuss prison congestion and conditions, access to legal representation and police training. A/S Kramer also relayed his hope that the case surrounding Amcit Andrew Berends would be resolved quickly. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) In response to A/S Kramer's inquiry on progress with prison congestion, Minister Abbe said they were developing a long term plan as well as building new structures to house the current inmates. Abbe added that the Attorney General was working with State Chief Justices to release a large number of prisoners who had already been held for long periods awaiting trial. A/S Kramer queried the Minister on detainees' ability to access legal representation. The Minister assured A/S Kramer that no one was ever denied access to a lawyer and there were a number of legal aid lawyers who provided services to those who could not afford representation. ¶3. (C) When asked about efforts to alleviate the difficult conditions in prisons, the Minister insisted that allegations of poor conditions were false and he "rejected completely" such reports. Abbe stated that sufficient provisions were provided to all prisoners and added that a recent report by Amnesty International was greatly exaggerated. (NOTE: Amnesty International noted in the report their attempt to meet with the Minister of Interior to present the findings of their visits to ten prisons; but the meeting was canceled by the Ministry at the last minute. Furthermore, PolOff has visited prisons in Nigeria and observed the overcrowding and lack of facilities, beds and food. END NOTE.) The Minister added that Amnesty International was unaware of reconstruction going on at prisons throughout the country. ¶4. (C) In response to A/S Kramer's question on the capacity of the police, Abbe responded that the investigative skills and forensic competence of officers had been improved through training. Abbe explained however, that most basic training is focused on "building confidence and intelligence" in the "constable on the street," so as to make their "patrol environment uncomfortable for criminals." A/S Kramer asked how the USG could be most helpful in providing additional technical assistance, to which Abbe responded "tell us what you can offer." ¶5. (C) A/S Kramer informed Abbe about his meeting earlier that day with Amcit Andrew Berends, who was arrested in Port Harcourt and later moved to Abuja. A/S Kramer added that he understood the case could be resolved quickly, and asked for Abbe's help in making that happen. (NOTE: Andrew Berends was subsequently deported that night. END NOTE.) ¶6. (C) COMMENT: The Minister painted quite a rosy picture despite recent reports and observations of police beatings and deplorable prison conditions. If the Minister responsible for the Nigeria Police Force and the 227 prisons throughout Nigeria denies a problem exists, it is no wonder there has been little progress in the way of reforms. END COMMENT. PFLAUMER