Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has taken sweeping disciplinary measures following a security breach that saw a death row inmate at the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, gain unlawful access to a mobile phone and conduct a live broadcast on TikTok, leading to the removal of the officer in charge of the facility and two other senior officials.
The disclosure was contained in a press statement issued by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and signed by Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, Service Public Relations Officer, for the Controller-General of Corrections.
The statement said the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the incident as a serious violation of custodial security and a breach of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, Service Standing Orders and other regulations governing correctional facilities.
According to the Service, preliminary investigations confirmed that the condemned inmate was illegally in possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media while in lawful custody.
The Correctional Service disclosed that the phone has been recovered during a search operation and secured as evidence, while the inmate has been transferred to another custodial facility under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations.
It added that initial findings also exposed security lapses that may have facilitated the breach.
In response, the Controller-General ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre alongside two other principal officers to allow for a transparent and impartial investigation.
The Service clarified that the administrative action is without prejudice to the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The statement noted that the incident has reinforced the need for the Controller-General’s ongoing security reforms, which are aimed at eliminating vulnerabilities within custodial centres and preventing the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional facilities.
“The Controller-General views the incident as a serious breach of custodial security and a violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, the Service Standing Orders and other extant regulations governing custodial operations,” the statement said.
The NCoS stressed that although the inmate’s culpability has been established, investigations are continuing to determine whether any correctional personnel, inmates or external collaborators aided or facilitated the security breach.
It warned that anyone found to have been negligent, complicit or directly involved would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in accordance with extant regulations.
The Service also appealed to Nigerians to avoid speculation while investigations are ongoing, assuring the public of its commitment to accountability and institutional integrity.
“The Nigerian Correctional Service appreciates the vigilance of members of the public and the media in bringing matters of public interest to national attention. The Service appeals against speculation while investigations continue and assures Nigerians that it remains resolute in its constitutional mandate of ensuring the safe, secure and humane custody of all persons legally committed into its care through continuous reforms, professionalism and accountability,” the statement added.
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