The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and two other principal officers after a death row inmate used a smuggled mobile phone to stream live on TikTok from inside the facility.
The action, announced on Thursday, followed public outrage over a viral video showing the inmate accessing social media while in custody.
In a statement signed by the Service Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, the NCoS 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 custodial operations.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations confirmed that the inmate was in unlawful possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which he used to gain access to social media while in lawful custody.
“The device has since been recovered following a search operation and secured as an exhibit for further investigation,” the Service said.
The inmate has since been transferred to another custodial facility where he is being held under enhanced security pending the conclusion of investigations.
The Service said preliminary findings also uncovered security gaps that may have contributed to the breach, prompting the Controller-General to order the immediate removal of the three officers.
“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 investigations,” the statement read.
The NCoS said the officers were removed without prejudice to the outcome of the investigation to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered process.
It added that the incident had reinforced the need for ongoing security reforms introduced by the Controller-General since assuming office.
According to the Service, the reforms are aimed at eliminating security vulnerabilities, strengthening custodial operations and preventing the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional facilities nationwide.
It said directives had been issued for the full implementation of the reforms and stricter compliance across all Commands and Custodial Centres.
While confirming the inmate’s culpability in the unlawful possession and use of the mobile phone, the NCoS said investigations were continuing to determine whether any correctional personnel, fellow inmates or external collaborators aided the security breach.
It warned that anyone found to have facilitated, condoned or negligently allowed the incident would face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in line with existing regulations.
The NCoS also commended members of the public and the media for drawing attention to the incident, saying public vigilance contributes to strengthening institutional accountability.
However, it appealed for restraint against speculation while investigations continue and assured Nigerians of its commitment to maintaining the safe, secure and humane custody of inmates.
