NCoS Removes Ibara Prison Officials After Death Row Inmate Goes Live On TikTok

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, alongside two other principal officers, following the unauthorised use of a mobile phone by an inmate on death row who appeared in a viral TikTok live stream.

The Service, in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections, JN Osuji, said the incident constituted a serious breach of custodial security and violated existing regulations guiding correctional operations.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate unlawfully possessed a prohibited mobile device, which he used to access social media while in custody.

The NCoS said the device had been recovered during a search operation and secured as an exhibit as part of the ongoing investigation.

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It added that the inmate had been transferred to another custodial facility where he is being held under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations.

The Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, MFR, mni, described the incident as unacceptable, directing immediate administrative action against officers linked to the facility.

The Service said the Officer-in-Charge of the custodial centre, alongside two other principal officers, had been removed pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to the statement, “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.”

The NCoS said the breach had also exposed security gaps within the facility, adding that measures were being taken to strengthen ongoing reforms aimed at preventing the entry of prohibited items into custodial centres.

It said the Controller-General’s reforms, introduced since assuming office, were designed to eliminate security vulnerabilities and improve compliance across all commands and facilities.

The Service noted that while the inmate’s involvement had been established, investigations were still ongoing into the possible roles of officers, inmates or external collaborators who may have facilitated the 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 said.

The NCoS acknowledged the role of members of the public and the media in drawing attention to issues of public interest, but urged Nigerians to avoid speculation while investigations continue.