The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has relieved the head of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, of his duties along with two additional senior officials. This action follows reports of a death row prisoner broadcasting live on TikTok from within the facility.
Public Relations Officer CSC Jane Osuji announced that Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, initiated the staff removal to facilitate an unbiased probe. The agency labeled the unauthorized use of a mobile phone by an inmate a major security failure and a direct violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019.
Initial checks verified that the prisoner possessed a banned smartphone to access social media. Authorities have since seized the device for use as evidence, and the inmate has been moved to a facility with higher security protocols. The investigation is also reviewing potential security flaws that enabled the breach.
Officials emphasized that these removals do not imply final guilt but serve as a step toward maintaining institutional accountability. The NCoS is currently investigating whether any staff members or external parties assisted the prisoner. The agency remains committed to rigorous security reforms to prevent future incidents and will penalize anyone found complicit in the violation.
