The Nigerian Correctional Service has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, along with two other senior officers, following the appearance of a death row inmate in a viral TikTok live session.
The disciplinary action was announced in a statement on Thursday by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, JN Osuji.
According to the statement, preliminary findings showed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a mobile phone, which he allegedly used to access social media while in custody, in violation of correctional regulations.
“The incident constitutes a serious breach of custodial security and existing operational regulations,” the statement said.
The Service disclosed that the mobile phone had been recovered during a search operation and retained as evidence for the ongoing investigation.
It also confirmed that the inmate had been transferred to another custodial facility where he is being held under stricter security measures pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, described the incident as unacceptable and directed immediate administrative action against officers connected with the custodial centre.
“The Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, alongside two other principal officers, has been removed pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement said.
The NCoS explained that the removal of the officers was an administrative measure aimed at ensuring an impartial and transparent investigation.
“This administrative action is without prejudice to the final outcome of the investigation and is intended to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigative process,” it added.
The Service acknowledged that the incident exposed security lapses within the facility and said efforts were underway to strengthen ongoing reforms aimed at preventing the entry of prohibited items into correctional centres.
It noted that the reforms introduced by the Controller-General were designed to improve compliance and eliminate security vulnerabilities across custodial facilities nationwide.
The statement added that investigations were ongoing to determine whether any correctional officers, inmates or external collaborators aided the security breach.
“Anyone found to have facilitated, aided, condoned or failed in their responsibilities in connection with this incident will face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in accordance with extant regulations,” the statement warned.
The NCoS also appealed to members of the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue, assuring Nigerians that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
