The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has removed three officers from their duties while investigating a TikTok live broadcast allegedly made from prison by an inmate on death row.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, said the decision to remove the officers was not an indication of the outcome of the investigation.
He explained that the action was part of an administrative process aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency during the probe.
The NCoS Controller General expressed concern over reports and public reactions following the viral TikTok live stream involving the inmate at the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Jane Osuji, the Controller General 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 existing regulations guiding custodial operations.
Osuji said: “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 device has since been recovered following a search operation and secured as an exhibit for further investigation. As an additional security measure, the inmate has been transferred to another facility where he is being held under enhanced security pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
“The investigation has also identified security gaps that may have contributed to the breach. 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 the investigations.
” 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 Service emphasised that the ongoing security reforms intiated by the Controller General since assumption of office, aimed at eliminating security vulnerabilities and preventing the introduction of prohibited items into Custodial Centres, would be pursued relentlessly.
She said:” The preliminary findings from this incidence has further reinforced the need for these reforms and has directed their full implementation and intensified compliance across all Commands and Custodial Centres.
“While investigation has established the inmate’s culpability, investigations into the possible involvement, negligence or complicity of any officer, inmate or external collaborator remain ongoing.
” 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”.