NCOS Removes Prison Chief, Two Senior Officers Over Viral TikTok Live by Death Row Inmate
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCOS) has taken swift disciplinary action following the viral TikTok live stream by a death row inmate at the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, describing the incident as a serious breach of custodial security.
The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, ordered the immediate removal of the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre and two other principal officers pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into the security breach.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate was unlawfully in possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to access social media while in custody.
The statement disclosed that the device has been recovered and secured as evidence, while the inmate has been transferred to another custodial facility under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations.
The NCOS said preliminary findings also revealed security lapses that may have enabled the breach, prompting the Controller-General to direct the full implementation and strict enforcement of ongoing security reforms across all custodial centres nationwide.
The Service stressed that the removal of the affected officers is an administrative measure aimed at ensuring a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigation, adding that it does not prejudice the final outcome of the probe.
It further stated that investigations are continuing to determine whether any correctional officers, inmates or external collaborators were involved in facilitating the unauthorized possession of the mobile phone.
The Service warned that anyone found culpable through negligence, complicity or direct involvement would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in line with the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, Service Standing Orders and other extant regulations.
NCOS also commended members of the public and the media for drawing attention to the incident and appealed against speculation while investigations are ongoing.
The Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security, accountability and professionalism in the nation’s custodial centres, while ensuring the safe, secure and humane custody of all persons legally committed into its care.
