The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, alongside two other principal officers, following a viral TikTok live stream by a death row inmate from inside the facility.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described 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 prison operations.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, JN Osuji, preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate was unlawfully in possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access the social media platform while in custody.
The statement said the mobile phone had since been recovered during a search operation and secured as an exhibit for further investigation.
It added that the inmate has been transferred to another custodial facility and placed under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations.
The NCoS said preliminary findings also revealed security lapses that may have contributed to the breach, prompting the Controller-General to order the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge and two other senior officers.
It explained that the action was taken to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigation, stressing that the decision was without prejudice to the final outcome of the probe.
“The investigation has also identified security gaps that may have contributed to the breach. In demonstration of the Service’s commitment to accountability and institutional integrity, the Controller-General has ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the Custodial Centre, along with two other principal officers pending the conclusion of the investigations,” the statement said.
The correctional service noted that the incident has reinforced the need for ongoing security reforms being implemented by the Controller-General to eliminate vulnerabilities and prevent prohibited items from finding their way into custodial centres nationwide.
It further disclosed that while the inmate’s culpability has been established, investigations are continuing to determine the possible involvement, negligence or complicity of correctional personnel, other inmates or external collaborators.
The Service warned that anyone found to have facilitated, aided, condoned or failed in their responsibilities in connection with the incident would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in line with extant regulations.
The NCoS also appealed to the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue, assuring Nigerians of its commitment to ensuring the safe, secure and humane custody of all persons legally committed into its care through professionalism, accountability and continuous reforms.
