By Omeiza Ajayi
The Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, along with two other principal officers, pending investigations into the unauthorised use of a mobile phone by a death row inmate who went live on TikTok from custody.
The Service, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji, said the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, ordered the removal of the affected officers to ensure a transparent and impartial investigative process.
The statement said the Service had noted with grave concern the media reports and public reactions trailing the viral live stream, describing 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.
According to the statement, preliminary findings confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media while in lawful custody.
“Preliminary findings confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media while in lawful custody,” the statement read.
The Service said the phone has since been recovered following a search operation and secured as an exhibit for further investigation, while the inmate has been transferred to another facility where he is being held under enhanced security pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
It added that the probe had also identified security gaps that may have contributed to the breach.
Osuji said the removal of the officers was without prejudice to the final outcome of the investigation and was intended to demonstrate the Service’s commitment to accountability and institutional integrity.
The Service used the opportunity to highlight ongoing security reforms embarked upon by the Controller General since his assumption of office, aimed at eliminating security vulnerabilities and preventing the introduction of prohibited items into custodial centres, noting that the incident had reinforced the need for their full implementation.
“The preliminary findings from this incident has further reinforced the need for these reforms and has directed their full implementation and intensified compliance across all Commands and Custodial Centres,” the statement said.
While the inmate’s culpability has been established, the NCoS said investigations were ongoing into the possible involvement, negligence or complicity of any officer, inmate or external collaborator connected to the breach.
“The Service wishes to assure Nigerians that 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 said.
The Service commended the vigilance of members of the public and the media in bringing the matter to national attention, while appealing against speculation as investigations continue.
“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 said.
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