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Following an incident at the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, where an inmate on death row (IDR) was found to be in possession of a prohibited mobile phone while in lawful custody, the Controller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Silvester Nwakuche, 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.
In a statement, the service said the administrative action was without prejudice to the final outcome of the investigation and was intended to ensure a transparent, impartial and unhindered investigative process.
“The service wishes to emphasise the Controller General’s ongoing security reforms since assumption of office, aimed at eliminating security vulnerabilities and preventing the introduction of prohibited items into custodial centres. The preliminary findings from this incident 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 his responsibilities in connection with this incident will face appropriate disciplinary and administrative sanctions in accordance with extant regulations.
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“The Nigerian Correctional Service appreciates the vigilance of members of the public and the media in bringing matters of public interest to national attention. The service appeals against speculation while investigations continue and assures Nigerians that it remains resolute in its constitutional mandate of ensuring the safe, secure and humane custody of all persons legally committed into its care through continuous reforms, professionalism and accountability,” NCoS said.
The service has, however, confirmed that the inmate was using a mobile device, an exhibit which is prohibited to inmates in lawful custody.
“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,” the service further explained.
