The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has ordered the immediate removal of three senior officers, including the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, following a viral TikTok livestream by an inmate on death row.
The directive was issued by the Controller-General of Corrections (CGC), Sylvester Nwakuche, according to a statement released in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, CSC Jane Osuji.
The correctional service said the action followed public concern over a video showing an inmate using social media from inside the custodial facility.
Nwakuche described the incident as a serious breach of prison security and a violation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, the Service Standing Orders and other operational regulations governing custodial centres.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the inmate was unlawfully in possession of a prohibited mobile phone, which was used to access TikTok while in custody.
The service said the mobile device had been recovered during a search operation and secured as evidence for the ongoing investigation.
As part of additional security measures, the inmate has been transferred to another custodial facility, where he is being held under tighter security pending the conclusion of investigations.
According to the Controller-General, early findings also uncovered security lapses that may have contributed to the breach.
He explained that the removal of the three principal officers was an administrative measure intended to ensure an independent, transparent and uninterrupted investigation, adding that it does not amount to a final determination of responsibility.
Nwakuche said the Nigerian Correctional Service has continued to strengthen security measures and implement reforms aimed at preventing the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional facilities.
He noted that the latest incident has reinforced the need to accelerate those reforms and ensure strict compliance with security procedures across custodial centres nationwide.
The Controller-General added that although the inmate’s involvement has been established, investigations are continuing to determine whether any correctional officers, inmates or external collaborators aided or facilitated the security breach.
He warned that anyone found to have participated in, enabled or neglected their responsibilities in relation to the incident would face disciplinary and administrative sanctions in line with existing regulations.
Nwakuche also thanked members of the public and the media for drawing attention to the matter while urging Nigerians to avoid speculation until investigations are concluded.
He reaffirmed the correctional service’s commitment to maintaining secure, safe and humane custody through improved professionalism, accountability and institutional reforms.
