The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has relieved the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, alongside two other senior officers, following the discovery that a death-row inmate used a mobile phone to conduct a live broadcast on TikTok from inside the correctional facility.
The disciplinary action comes after a viral video surfaced on social media, prompting the correctional authorities to launch an investigation into what the Service described as a serious breach of custodial security.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Chief Superintendent of Corrections J.N. Osuji, the Service confirmed that preliminary findings established that the inmate had unlawfully obtained and used a prohibited mobile phone while in custody.
According to the statement, officers recovered the device during a search operation within the facility, and it has been retained as evidence as investigations continue.
The Service also disclosed that the inmate has since been transferred to another custodial centre, where he is being held under stricter security measures pending the outcome of the investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, described the security breach as unacceptable and ordered the immediate removal of the officer in charge of the facility and two other principal officers.
“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 statement said.
The identities of the affected officers were not disclosed.
The NCoS said the incident had exposed security lapses within the custodial centre and reaffirmed its commitment to tightening measures aimed at preventing inmates from gaining access to prohibited items, including mobile phones.
It noted that ongoing reforms introduced by the Controller-General are focused on strengthening security, improving operational standards and ensuring greater compliance across correctional facilities nationwide.
While confirming the inmate’s involvement, the Service said investigators are also examining whether correctional personnel, fellow inmates or individuals outside the facility played any role in facilitating the security breach.
“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,” the statement added.
The correctional authorities also acknowledged the role of the media and members of the public in bringing the incident to light but appealed for restraint while investigations are ongoing.
The Service urged Nigerians to refrain from speculation, assuring that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and that appropriate action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The controversy erupted after reports indicated that the death-row inmate had allegedly operated social media accounts and hosted live TikTok sessions from inside the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre despite regulations prohibiting inmates from possessing or using mobile phones.
